Who Am I?

• I am a mother of a son who is living today because of Be The Match

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 1

Be The Match

• Every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

• 70% of patients do not have a donor in their family. They depend on Be The Match.

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 2

PBSC Donation

• Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Donation

– Non-surgical

– 5 days before: Medication to boost stem cells

– Very similar to the machine used to donate platelets or plasma

– Done over 76% of the time

• Side Effects

– You may experience headaches or joint pain from the meds taken prior to donation.

– Resolves shortly after procedure.

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 3

PBSC Donation

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 4

Marrow Donation

• Surgical Procedure

– Given anesthesia, so you feel no pain during the donation.

• Liquid marrow from the back of the pelvic bone is withdrawn.

• Done less than 24% of the time.

• Side Effects:

– You may be sore for a few days up to 1-2 weeks after.

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 5

Joining the Registry

• To join the registry, you must be:

– Between the ages of 18-44

– Generally in good health

– Willing to donate to anyone in need

• Signing Up:

– Fill out consent form

– Cheek swab

The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 6