Every November, National Marrow Awareness Month shines a light on what may be someone’s only hope for lifesaving treatment: bone marrow and stem cells. The goal of this annual observance is to increase potential donors registered in the National Marrow Donor Program.

Why Marrow and Stem Cells Matter

Bone marrow is the soft spongy material inside bones that contains stem cells. These stem cells are in early stages of development, eventually becoming red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help with clotting). When someone’s marrow stops working due to an inherited disorder or blood disease – such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, immune disorders, or other conditions – doctors look for matching donors to transplant healthy stem cells.

How Matches Are Found

There’s about a 30% chance a sibling will be a match, so physicians typically start there. When a family match isn’t found, doctors turn to national and international donor registries, which are connected through a global network. Because genetic markers are often shared within the same ethnic or racial group, a patient’s best chance of finding a compatible donor usually comes from someone of similar ancestry. That’s why it’s vital for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to join the registry. Increasing diversity among donors helps close the matching gap and gives more patients around the world the chance for a lifesaving transplant.

So what are the criteria to join the registry as a donor? Here are a few basics:

• Age: Most healthy people between the ages of 18-44 although eligibility may vary slightly depending on the registry. The National Marrow Donor Program (Be The Match) typically focuses on donors ages 18–40, while some international registries accept donors up to age 60. Stem cells from younger donors tend to lead to better outcomes.
• Health: Donors should be in good general health. Certain conditions, like severe asthma, diabetes requiring insulin, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, may disqualify you.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: People with cancer, HIV, or hepatitis are not eligible to donate.
• Commitment: Joining the registry means you’re willing to say “yes” if you’re ever identified as a match.

The process starts with a simple cheek swab to check your DNA and if yes, expect additional tests.

How Donation Works

If you’re called as a match, the transplant physician will decide between two types of transplants: Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation, or Marrow Donation.

1. PBSC Donation: This method is similar to giving blood. You’ll receive medication for a few days to increase stem cell production, then blood is drawn and filtered to collect the stem cells.
2. Marrow Donation: This is a surgical procedure under anesthesia to remove marrow directly from the pelvic bone. Recovery is usually quick, and most donors are able to return to normal activities within a few days, with only mild soreness reported afterward.

Side effects from either procedure are generally mild. Either way, your cells regenerate quickly – your body “refills” what was donated in about 4 to 6 weeks. To learn more about how bone marrow donation works and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, visit the Mayo Clinic’s Bone Marrow Donation Overview.

One Simple Choice, One Lifesaving Impact

Each year, thousands of people hear the words, “You’re a match.” That moment connects strangers and saves lives. By joining the registry or encouraging others, you could be the difference between despair or hope. So, this November, take a moment to learn more, sign up, and share. You just might be the cure someone is waiting for.

Visit the National Marrow Donor Program website today to learn more. If you have questions about the donation process or your eligibility to donate, consider discussing them with your healthcare provider—your annual preventive visit may be covered at no cost when enrolled in a Transocean Medical Plan.