Dear future donor, experience the joy of saving a life
Make the choice. Be the cure. Discover gratitude like nothing else on earth.
We've helped more than 130,000 patients through cell therapy—including matching patients with their blood stem cell donor. Each match helps write a better future.
Discover the impact of your choice to join the donor registry.
Watch the videos below to hear expressions of relief, love and optimism.
The power of diversity
A patient’s ethnic background affects how likely they are to find a match. The more people we have on the registry, the better chance someone has. You can rewrite the script for patients in need.
Still not sure? Need more information?
Will I have to take time off work?
While a donor might have to take a few days off from work, NMDPSM offers lost wage reimbursement for those willing to save a life. Additionally, we cover 100% of donor expenses, from travel to personal costs.
Does donation hurt?
- While TV shows and movies have wildly exaggerated blood stem cell donation—especially bone marrow donation—as something scary, the reality is much less dramatic.
- Most blood stem cell donors give peripheral blood stem cells—a process similar to donating plasma.
- Discomfort during recovery varies from person to person. Side effects may include back pain, fatigue, headache or bruising for a few days or weeks.
How long does the donation process take?
- Online registration takes about 10 minutes.
- The next step, completing and returning a cheek swab kit, only takes a few minutes.
- If you’re called to donate, the typical time commitment for the donation process is 20-30 hours spread out over a four-to six-week period. This includes phone calls, appointments and donation.
Why does donor age matter?
Doctors request donors in the 18-35 age group 80% of the time because medical research has shown that cells from younger donors lead to better long-term survival for patients after transplant.
What if I get matched to a patient?
If you match a patient, you’ll be contacted to confirm you’re willing to donate. Once you agree, you’ll be asked to update your health information and participate in additional testing to ensure you’re the best match for the patient.
Will I have to take time off work?
While a donor might have to take a few days off from work, NMDPSM offers lost wage reimbursement for those willing to save a life. Additionally, we cover 100% of donor expenses, from travel to personal costs.
Does donation hurt?
- While TV shows and movies have wildly exaggerated blood stem cell donation—especially bone marrow donation—as something scary, the reality is much less dramatic.
- Most blood stem cell donors give peripheral blood stem cells—a process similar to donating plasma.
- Discomfort during recovery varies from person to person. Side effects may include back pain, fatigue, headache or bruising for a few days or weeks.
Here’s how you can start helping patients in need:
About NMDP
At NMDP℠, we believe each of us holds the key to curing blood cancers and disorders. As a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, NMDP creates essential connections between researchers and supporters to inspire action and accelerate innovation to find life-saving cures. With the help of blood stem cell donors from the world's most diverse registry and our extensive network of transplant partners, physicians and caregivers, we're expanding access to treatment so that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy. NMDP. Find cures. Save lives.