Connecting donors with experienced mentors

You’ve received life-changing news—you’re a match for a patient who needs a blood stem cell transplant. When you joined the NMDP Registry^SM, you hoped to do something critical by donating blood stem cells. That has now become a reality, and you may have questions. We’re here to help get all the answers you’re looking for from someone who experienced donation first-hand.

What is NMDP Donor Connect?

NMDP^SM Donor Connect partners you with a trained mentor who has donated blood stem cells. No matter where you are in the donation process, previous donors are available to connect with you by phone or email. Mentors can answer your questions and provide tips from their own donation experience.

Because every blood stem cell donor has a unique story, we’ll try to connect you with a mentor who closely matches your situation. You can ask questions like:

What’s the time commitment like?
What should I bring with me when I donate?
What was the day of donation like?
How long does it take to recover?
What are some of the side effects of donation?
Will I be able to take care of my children?

Request a Donor Connect mentor today by contacting Donor Advocacy at advocate@nmdp.org or 1 (800) 526-7809 x 8710.

Helpful resources for first-time donors

You’re well on your way to doing something life-saving by donating blood stem cells. Here are a few resources to help you understand what happens next:

Guiding you through donation

Donor Connect mentors are just like you! They made the decision to step up to save a life, and now they’re here to offer insight on the blood stem cell donation process.

Man in a hospital gown and surgical cap, wearing a mask and giving a thumbs-up while lying in a hospital bed.

Meet Jake, Donor Connect mentor

“Opportunities to directly save someone’s life are rare, and I knew this was something I couldn’t walk away from. Being someone’s life-saving match was humbling and life-changing. It reminded me that our greatest purpose often comes when we step outside of ourselves to serve others. After my donation, I became a donor mentor, helping guide others through the process and encouraging more people to join the registry. I’m incredibly thankful for NMDP for giving me the opportunity to help save a life and continue supporting others on this journey.”

A smiling man holding up a bag of his donated blood stem cells, standing next to two smiling women in a medical center setting.

Meet Ben, Donor Connect mentor

“When I first joined the NMDP Registry, I signed up thinking that just maybe I could help somebody who was in need of bone marrow. Now, as a two-time donor, I've seen how powerful being a marrow and PBSC donor can be for others. The chance to help others and save lives was something I'll never forget. Becoming a Donor Connect mentor has given me the opportunity to share my story with prospective donors, answer their questions, ease their nerves and be a voice of support along the way. Donating bone marrow and PBSC are some of the most meaningful things I've had the chance to do, and now I'm honored to support others to do the same. Sometimes, all someone needs is to hear from a person who’s been there—and that’s why I do this. My goal is to help more people say ‘yes’ to the chance to save a life.”