Stem cell donors are living legends!
Give someone a second chance at life
When someone is facing a severe form of blood cancer, such as leukemia, a stem cell transplant can mean the difference between life and death. Stem cells—found in the bone marrow and responsible for producing new red and white blood cells—are essential for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and preventing bleeding. In patients with serious blood diseases, this process is severely disrupted. Intensive chemo or radiotherapy destroys not only the harmful cells but also the healthy ones. At that moment, healthy donor stem cells become their last hope.
As a stem cell donor, you can help someone start over. Your stem cells not only rebuild the patient’s blood-forming system, but can also attack any remaining cancer cells. If you’re between 18 and 35, you’re part of the group most likely to be a match. It’s simple, safe, and truly life-changing.
Do you want to become a donor? Sign up today!
Why become a stem cell donor?
As a stem cell donor you can save a life. For patients with leukaemia or other types of blood disorders a stem cell transplant can be lifesaving. You can give someone that chance of life by registering as a stem cell donor.
Who can become a donor?
Research shows that stem cells from younger donors (preferably between 18 and 35) produce better transplant results for patients. You can register as a stem cell donor free of charge if you are between 18 and 35. For those aged between 36 and 55, a one-time registration fee (dependant upon the country regulation) is required. Donors aged 56 and over are automatically deregistered.
How to become a donor?
Although over 40 million people worldwide have joined the stem cell donor registry, there are still patients for whom the best match cannot be found among potential stem cell donors.
The ethnicity of the recipient influences the chance of finding a perfect donor. In addition, not all potential donors are available when needed due to health or other reasons. Therefore, we need more donors, especially from underrepresented backgrounds! Young adults are even more encouraged to register, as stem cells from younger donors enhance the chance of a good outcome. So register today at your local registry and ask your friends to join you!
For additional information, please read more in Stem Cell Donation. And to find your local registry, you can look at ‘Find your registry | WMDA’
