Be The Match: A Lifesaving Mission For Bone Marrow Donation

Every year, thousands of patients with life-threatening blood cancers and other diseases rely on the generosity of strangers to give them a second chance at life. "Be the Match," operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), is a global initiative connecting patients in need of bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants with willing donors. This organization stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that no patient goes without a potential match due to a lack of donors. With its vast registry and commitment to advancing transplant science, Be the Match is changing lives, one donor at a time.

From its inception, Be the Match has been driven by the belief that every patient deserves the opportunity for a transplant. For patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, or other blood disorders, a bone marrow or PBSC transplant often represents their best—and sometimes only—chance for survival. However, finding a suitable donor match can be challenging, particularly for those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Be the Match bridges this gap by maintaining the world’s largest and most diverse donor registry, offering hope where there once was none.

But Be the Match is more than just a registry. It’s a community of donors, patients, caregivers, and advocates working together to save lives. From educating the public about the importance of donation to supporting patients throughout their transplant journey, Be the Match plays a pivotal role in the fight against blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Whether you're considering joining the registry, supporting the cause financially, or simply spreading the word, being part of Be the Match means becoming a vital thread in the fabric of life-saving efforts worldwide.

Table of Contents

• Biography and History of Be the Match
• How Bone Marrow and PBSC Donations Work
• The Importance of Diversity in the Registry
• Criteria to Join the Be the Match Registry
• The Registration Process
• What Happens If You’re a Match?
• Supporting Patients Through the Transplant Journey
• Advancements in Transplant Science
• Stories of Hope and Survival
• Ways to Support Be the Match
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Biography and History of Be the Match

Be the Match was established in 1987 by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) with a mission to save lives through cellular therapy. Since its inception, the organization has partnered with medical professionals, researchers, and donors to create the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. Over the years, Be the Match has facilitated more than 100,000 transplants, offering hope and healing to patients across the globe.

The organization’s roots trace back to Dr. Robert Graves, who first proposed the possibility of bone marrow transplantation in the 1930s. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that advancements in technology and medicine made such procedures viable. The NMDP was created to address the pressing need for a centralized donor registry, allowing patients to find matches more efficiently. Today, Be the Match operates in partnership with transplant centers, donor centers, and laboratories worldwide to fulfill its life-saving mission.

One of the key milestones in the organization’s history was the development of tissue matching technology, which significantly improved the success rate of transplants. By using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, Be the Match ensures that donors and patients are matched based on their immune system compatibility. This innovation has been instrumental in increasing the number of successful transplants, reducing complications, and improving patient outcomes.

The organization’s impact extends beyond the registry. Be the Match also invests in research to improve transplant protocols, support patient care, and advance therapies for blood cancers and other diseases. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Be the Match continues to lead the way in cellular therapy and transplantation.

How Bone Marrow and PBSC Donations Work

Bone marrow and PBSC donations are two primary methods of harvesting the stem cells needed for transplantation. Both processes are safe, minimally invasive, and lifesaving. Understanding how these donations work can help potential donors make informed decisions about joining the registry.