Written by Rheann Ponniah ‘24
Introduction - What is a bone marrow donation?
Every year, 18,000 people are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases where a bone marrow or blood cell transplantation is their best treatment option. However, even with a registry of millions of donors, many patients struggle with finding a match. Donors and patients have to match HLA (human leukocyte antigen). HLA is a gene complex that checks cell markers to find out which cells in the body are invaders. Each person’s HLA is relatively unique. Contrary to popular belief, donors and patients do not have to match blood types. In general, there are many misconceptions regarding bone marrow donations, and it is costing lives. Hopefully, this article clears up some of these misconceptions.
Why is this an important issue?
Bone marrow transplants can cure over 100 diseases including blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and inherited immune disorders. Unfortunately, only 30% of patients find a donor within their family. The other 70% are required to find donors on their own. Many patients with life-threatening conditions rely on donor registries like Be The Match. Be The Match is one of the most diverse marrow registries in the world. Unfortunately, most of these registries are experiencing donor shortages. As a result, patients are struggling to find donors.
Is donating bone marrow dangerous?
No! This is the most common misconception, but you might be surprised by how safe it actually is. Eighty percent of donations are peripheral blood stem cells which involve no surgery at all. In addition, all donors are prescreened to ensure the procedure is safe and healthy. Although there are some minor side effects, the overall procedure is not very painful. Your blood cells replenish in 4-6 weeks, and your immune system stays strong. Only 1-5 percent of marrow is needed to save the patient’s life. Furthermore, it is not an inconvenience. A typical commitment is 20-30 hours over a 4-6 week period. This includes phone calls, appointments, and the donation itself. According to Be The Match, almost every donor has said that it is a rewarding experience and they would do it again.
What can I expect if I sign up?
To sign up, you would start by joining the registry. Even after joining the registry, the chances of being called are low. In fact, there are many people who join the registry and then do not donate due to a change in health status, lack of commitment or fear.
During the actual treatment, you will be given anesthesia. You will lie on your stomach and doctors will use special hollow needles to withdraw the liquid marrow from the back of your pelvic bone. There will be small incisions that do not require stitches. Different donors have rated the pain differently but according to bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov, most have said that it is not severe and similar to achy hip bones. A transplant does not guarantee a recipient’s survival. It does give them hope and a second chance at life.
Do I have to donate bone marrow to make a difference?
No! Although joining the registry is the best way to make a difference, there are still ways to create an impact if you do not meet the criteria or are simply looking for another way to help. You could fundraise or volunteer at a registration event. You can also help to spread the word. Post on social media or encourage family and friends to register. Here is a link to the criteria so that you can see if you are eligible: Marrow Donation Criteria
Is diversity important in bone marrow donations?
Yes, diversity is very important. Genetic type is inherited. Therefore, patients are most likely to match with someone of the same ethnic background. It is important that people of mixed backgrounds and races join the registry.
Testimonies:
Donating bone marrow is a meaningful experience because you’re able to save a life! Here is an article about a first-hand experience from a man who donated his bone marrow: First Hand Testimony. Here are some other testimonials…
25 year old Chris Westen Heiser signed up to be a donor through his college football team.
“It's been a long two days but I definitely had a rewarding experience…you know…it’s just really awesome to know that I’m helping out a cancer patient.”
8 year old AJ got a bone marrow donation. His mother was extremely thankful.
“Saying thank you never really feels like enough…when someone saves your child’s life”
A medical student from Texas, Ian LeMaistro, donated blood marrow.
”To know that I have an opportunity to help treat somebody’s disease and give the gift of life, I mean that's an amazing feeling and something that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
Works Cited
BeTheMatch.org. “About Us.” Myths And Facts About Bone Marrow Donation | Be The Match, bethematch.org/transplant-basics/how-marrow-donation-works/myths-and-facts-about-bone-marrow-donation/.
BeTheMatch.org. “About Us.” Donating Bone Marrow Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Be The Match, bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-bone-marrow/donation-faqs/#:~:text=The machine collects blood-forming,take up to eight hours.
“Boy, 8, Meets the Bone Marrow Donor Who Saved His Life Live on 'GMA'.” YouTube, YouTube, 20 Sept. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMV4tfSzDxw.
“Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Blood Stem Cell, bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov/about/faqs.
“Gift of Life Marrow Registry.” Gift of Life, www.giftoflife.org/posts/post/fact-and-fiction-the-truth-about-donating-bone-marrow-and-stem-cells-2019.
“How Bone Marrow and Stem Cells Are Collected.” How Bone Marrow and Stem Cells Are Collected | BMT Infonet, www.bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/how-bone-marrow-and-stem-cells-are-collected.
“I Donated Bone Marrow and This Is What It Was Really Like.” DKMS, www.dkms.org/get-involved/stories/i-donated-bone-marrow-and-what-it-was-really-like.
SarahCannonPR. “Be The Match Donor Shares His Story.” YouTube, YouTube, 20 Sept. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EtiPrY-3Mk.
“Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers.” Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers, study.com/academy/lesson/human-leukocyte-antigen-hla-definition-testing.html.
“What Does It Mean to Become a Bone Marrow Donor?” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Mar. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj-eGDxYkwo.
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