En español

I'm a Match

Yes! You could be a patient’s cure.

Jimmy, blood stem cell donor

Why you’ve been contacted

You signed up for the Be The Match Registry® by completing a swab kit. Now you've been identified as a match for a patient in need of a life-saving blood stem cell transplant. Congratulations!

We understand donating is a big deal. Learn what to expect along the way to make an informed decision about being a donor.

Call 1 (877) 581-6918

What’s the donation process like?

We do our best to ensure you’ll have a great experience—after all, you’re doing something truly amazing.

You might not go through each of the stages below since donors are often contacted at different points in the process. Patient needs can impact timing, so timelines also vary.
You’ll get a phone call from your specialist at each stage to check in and ensure you’re able to donate.

Confirming commitment

The patient and their doctor are determining treatment options. If you’re identified as a match, we’ll check in with you to see if you’re still able to donate and committed to helping.

Additional testing

You might be the best match for the patient. Additional testing using a blood sample or a new swab sample will let the doctor know for sure.

Preparing for donation

Attend an information session and undergo a physical exam and lab tests. We’ll also schedule your donation date, time and location.

Donation

Help save the patient’s life by donating peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow. Recovery depends on the method of donation, which is chosen by the patient’s doctor. Most donors return to work, school and other activities within one to seven days.

It’s the little things

See how patients get to enjoy everyday moments thanks to donors like Emily.

Let’s answer some common questions

There's no cost to you. All medical costs for the procedure are covered by Be The Match. We'll never bill you or your insurance. Travel expenses and other non-medical costs, including lost wages, are also covered.
It varies. The process is spread out over a four-to-six-week period, not including travel time. Most donors are asked to travel during the process.

PBSC donation: Donors may experience headaches or bone and muscle pain, similar to a cold or the flu, for several days before collection. These are side effects of the injections of filgrastim or its FDA-approved similars and disappear shortly after donation. Other common side effects are nausea, trouble sleeping and fatigue. Less than one percent (0.6%) of donors experience serious side effects from filgrastim.

During donation, some donors experience tingling around the mouth, fingers and toes and mild muscle cramps. This is caused by the anticoagulant (blood thinner) used in the apheresis procedure. These symptoms are easily treated with calcium replacement or by slowing down the procedure. Other common side effects include bruising at the needle site, chills and a decrease in blood platelet count. Within about six weeks, platelets will return to normal and the marrow will regenerate.

Marrow donation: The donor experiences no pain during the collection procedure while under general anesthesia.

Most marrow donors experience some side effects after donation, which commonly include:

  • Back or hip pain
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Bruising at the incision site

 

See All FAQs

Donors are a priority

You’re important to us, and we have services in place to support your well-being:

  • Donor advocacy
  • Counseling
  • And more
Read about donor safety & support
patients with doctor