Bone Marrow Transplant: You can be a Donor
Can you imagine searching for the one person in the world who could save your life?
A Bone Marrow Transplant is the only cure for MDS.
However, about 70 percent of those needing a bone marrow transplant using donor stem cells are unable to have one because a suitable bone marrow donor cannot be found.
This is the reality for many MDS sufferers who are desperately searching for a lifesaving bone marrow donor.
How to donate bone marrow
If you’re between 16 – 30 and in good health, sign up to Anthony Nolan's register and you could be a lifesaving match for someone with blood cancer
You Can Become a Donor!
Even if you’re older than 30 you can become a blood donor if you're in good health. Check your eligibility at the dkms site
How to Join the Register? All it takes is a bit of spit or a swab!
Your stem cells may not be a match for your relatives or friends - but they could end up saving the lives of someone facing a desperate situation anywhere in the world.
If you are called to donate, there are two simple and easy ways to give stem cells.
One method takes just 3 - 4 hours and is not dissimilar to giving blood. If a patient needs a bone marrow transplant then the consultant will be checking the worldwide registers for a suitable match.
However, it's important to encourage family and friends to join!
70 percent of those needing a bone marrow transplant using donor stem cells are unable to have one because a suitable bone marrow donor cannot be found
Blogs by MDS patients that had stem cell transplants
- Rebel Rev (Blog:) https://revrebel.blogspot.com
- Jayne Snell (Twitter account):@JayneMSnell
- Emma Payne (Blog): https://emmafightsmds.wordpress.com/
- Evie McClean(YouTube): Evie McClean YouTube Channel
What happens if you are a match? Bone Marrow Donation Procedure
Your animated guide to becoming a bone marrow donor. Find out everything you ever wanted to know about donation, from joining the register to what happens if you are a match.
The Donor's Experience: 21 year old Calum's video diary of his bone marrow donation
Bone marrow recipient meets woman who saved her life
Rhonda Christenson was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. Three months into her treatment, she was told that she needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Chances of a perfect match were 1 in 20,000.
What is the bone marrow? How can it be used for medical benefit?
A part of your bones called “bone marrow” makes blood cells. Marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones. It contains cells called “hematopoietic” stem cells (pronounced he-mah-tuh-poy-ET-ick). These cells can turn into several other types of cells. They can turn into more bone marrow cells. Or they can turn into any type of blood cell. Here is a short educational film by the Irish Stem Cell Foundation
