From diagnosis to a second chance

Warren was diagnosed with a rare, high-risk form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). His best chance at survival was a blood stem cell transplant.

Breaking the cultural pressure within the Asian community to keep hardships private, Warren shared his story with the world. Warren ultimately received a blood stem cell transplant from a mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) who was an 8/10 match. NMDPSM research is helping expand transplant options so more patients can receive the treatment they need, even without a fully matched donor.

You could be the donor another patient needs—even if you’re not a perfect match.

A smiling man with no hair, wearing a hospital gown, lying in a hospital bed with white pillows. A medical device with a digital display sits beside the bed.
Warren, a transplant recipient, during his recovery
become a donor

You can help patients like Warren by joining the registry

If you’re between 18 and 35, you can join the NMDP RegistrySM today with a simple cheek swab. Warren’s brother Nick will walk you through it.
  • Man holding a cheek swab kit used to join the donor registry.

    1. Get your free swab kit

    Registering online is easy. You’ll answer a few questions to confirm you can join, then tell us where to mail your free swab kit (usually arrives in 3-7 days).
  • Man swabbing the inside of his cheek using a donor registry kit.

    2. Swab and send it back

    Follow the kit instructions to swab your cheeks, then mail it back in the prepaid envelope. We’ll process your samples to add your tissue type to the registry.
  • Warren and his brother Nick standing together and smiling.

    3. Stay ready to save a life

    Patients are most likely to match someone who shares a similar ethnic background. Some people are called quickly, others wait years—and some may never be called. But every person on the registry gives patients a better chance at finding their match.

What to expect when you donate blood stem cells

90% donate PBSC

Peripheral blood stem cells are donated in a nonsurgical procedure similar to donating plasma

$0 cost to donate

NMDP pays for all travel and medical expenses and helps cover lost wages

Support at every step

A dedicated NMDP team helps you plan, prepare and recover
faqs

Common questions about joining the registry

Find out more about joining the registry and becoming a blood stem cell donor.

A group of six smiling people gathered closely together indoors, several wearing cone-shaped party hats. In the center, a man with no hair wearing a gray hoodie and a gold crown smiles for the camera.
Warren (center), transplant recipient, celebrates with family and friends

I honestly underestimated how challenging transplant recovery would be. However, I'm so grateful to be recovering at home and recently celebrated my 30th birthday surrounded by friends and family.”

Warren

Transplant recipient

take action

Do something life-saving

Warren pushed past cultural pressure to keep hardships private and shared his story with the world. Today, his experience is helping show what’s possible for patients who need a blood stem cell transplant. You can make a difference for patients facing blood cancers and disorders. Join the NMDP Registry today.
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