Be The Match Foundation bone marrow registry

May 14, 11:27 PMOrgan and Tissue Donor ExaminerCathy Doheny

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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, Kevin Doheny*

The National Marrow Donor Program, one of the largest health care non-profit organizations in the country, has changed the name of its bone marrow registry to the "Be The Match Foundation". This name change is part of their new media approach to increase public awareness of their life-saving cause.

Countess critically-ill patients, who are not fortunate enough to have a related marrow donor match, depend on this organization to provide them with an unrelated donor. In fact, 70% of all patients in need of a marrow transplant do not have a match within their family and depend on finding a match from the registry. Though the foundation facilitates over 4,300 transplants a year around the world, there are many patients who are unable to find a match. This is particularly true for non-Caucasians, as there are far less donors from racially and ethnically diverse communities on the registry. The organizers of the Be The Match Foundation hope to change these circumstances through their new media approach, which will include more frequent donor drives, special fundraising events, volunteer initiatives, and innovative television commercials and public service announcements, such as the one posted below.

Bone marrow transplants (also called stem cell transplants), help to save the lives of patients who suffer from lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, amyloidosis, and thalassemia,as well as many other life-threatening conditions. All ages, from infants to seniors, may benefit from marrow transplants. To learn how you can help save a life, view the links below.

*photo of Kevin and Jade Doheny taken by Cathy Doheny