Updated Guide on the NMDP and How to Make a Life-Saving Donation
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) plays a vital role in providing support to patients requiring bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants. Understanding the NMDP can help you make a meaningful donation and potentially save lives.
What is NMDP?
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is a nonprofit organization that operates the Be The Match Registry®. This registry is the largest and most diverse donor registry globally. Its mission is to connect patients with potential donors for life-saving transplants. The NMDP has facilitated thousands of transplants and continues to advance research in hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Mission and Vision
The NMDP's mission is clear: to save lives through cellular therapy. They aim to provide all patients with access to life-saving transplants. Their vision is "A world where the curative power of cell therapy is available to all patients," reflecting their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
How the NMDP Operates
The NMDP collaborates with over 500 hospitals and donor centers worldwide. Here are the key steps in the process:
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Registration: Potential donors can join the Be The Match Registry® by completing a cheek swab test, which determines HLA typing for matching.
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Match Process: When a patient needs a transplant, the registry searches for suitable donors based on HLA compatibility.
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Donation: Once a match is found, donors prepare for either bone marrow donation or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation.
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Transplantation: The collected bone marrow or stem cells are transplanted into the patient, providing a chance for remission or a cure.
How to Make a Donation to NMDP
You can support the NMDP in various ways.
Financial Donations
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Online Donations: Contributions can be made easily through the NMDP website, allowing for one-time or recurring donations.
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Corporate Matching Gifts: Check if your employer offers a matching gift program to maximize your contribution.
Bone Marrow or PBSC Donation
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Join the Registry: If you are between 18 and 44 years old, you can register online or at community events by completing a health history and a cheek swab.
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Prepare for Donation: If matched, the NMDP will contact you for further testing to confirm your health and suitability to donate.
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The Donation Process:
- Bone Marrow Donation: A surgical procedure under anesthesia where marrow is extracted from your pelvic bone.
- Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation (PBSC): A nonsurgical procedure similar to blood donation, involving injections to increase stem cell levels in your blood followed by a collection process.
The Impact of Your Donation
Every donation, whether financial or cellular, is crucial to the NMDP's mission. Financial contributions support registry operations, patient services, and research. Becoming a donor enhances the diversity of available matches, particularly important for patients from ethnic and racial minority groups who face difficulties finding compatible donors.
The NMDP is a source of hope for many battling severe blood diseases. By joining the Be The Match Registry® or making a financial contribution, you can help save lives. Your support could give someone another chance at life.
