How to be a Bone Marrow Donor

We have been asked by a number of friends "How can I be a bone marrow donor?" so I have added the following link. You can click on the link and it will take you to the site. There are things you need to consider... You can do it at your provider or order a kit, you must also be 18 to 60 years old.

Understanding Your Commitment

When you join the Be The Match Registry^®, you are taking the first step to save a life. You are also making a commitment to be ready to take the next step if a patient needs you.

Be sure you understand what to expect when you join the registry so you feel comfortable with your decision.

New name, same registry

Be The Match Registry is the new name for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry. If you joined the NMDP Registry, either in person or online, you are a member of the Be The Match Registry and do not need to join again. Learn more about Be The Match.

Consider your decision

Discuss your decision with your family or friends when you join the registry. You may need their support if you are ever contacted as a match.

If you match a patient, your commitment to donate is very important, but you have the right to change your mind. However, a late decision to not donate can be life-threatening to a patient. Please think seriously about your commitment before joining the registry.

Get the facts

• FAQs about Joining the Registry — answers to common questions about the cost to join, your commitment and more
• Medical Guidelines — health conditions that may affect your eligibility to join
• Myths & Facts about Bone Marrow Donation — the truth about common misunderstandings
• Steps of Bone Marrow & PBSC Donation — an overview of the donation process

If you still have questions, call us at 1 (800) MARROW-2 (1-800-627-7692) or contact your local donor center.

Stay involved after you join

Doctors search the Be The Match Registry to find donors for their patients. Once you’ve joined, we will contact you if a doctor selects you as a match for a patient in need of a life-saving transplant. You could be a match for a patient soon, many years from now or you may never be called.

In the meantime, here are other ways to stay involved:

Keep your information updated

If you match a patient, we will need to find you quickly. Keeping us updated with your contact information is crucial!

Contact us if:

• Your phone number, name, e-mail or address changes.
• You have major changes to your health.
• You want to be removed from the Be The Match Registry.

Spread the word

Tell your friends how they can join the Be The Match Registry. Get involved. Save a life.


Click here for additional Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) information...
Patients and Families - BMT resources and information