Join the Registry today to help save a life.
Donor Eligibility
- 18 to 44 years old
- Be in good general health (Please refer to our Medical Guidelines)
Where Do I Register?
- Register online at Be The Match.
- Find a registration drive near you.
*At donor registry drives, we focus on recruiting new registry members ages 18 to 44. This is based on medical research that shows younger donors are best for patients and provide the greatest chance for transplant success. Because of this, doctors request donors in the 18 to 44 age group over 90% of the time.
If you are between the ages of 45 and 60 and want to join the bone marrow registry, you must do so online. You will be asked to make a $100 payment to cover the cost to join.
Once you have registered online, a Buccal Swab Kit will be mailed to you within 3 to 7 days. Swab the inside of your cheek and mail the kit back in the envelope provided.
*Note: your registration is not complete until your swab kit has been received by Be The Match.
Your commitment to patients
Once you join the registry, the most important thing you can do is stay committed.
Show your commitment by taking this life-saving pledge:
As a Member of Be The Match Registry® I understand that:
- By joining the registry, I am saying I am willing to donate to any patient in need.
- The cheek swab or blood sample I gave when I joined was only used to add me to the registry. It was not a donation for a patient.
- I will be listed on the registry until I am 61, unless I inform Be The Match® that I’m unwilling or unable to donate. Contact Be The Match
If I match a patient:
- I will respond quickly.
- I will be asked to give a blood sample for further testing.
- I will be asked to make a time commitment of 20 to 30 hours over a 4- to 6-week period to attend appointments and donate.
- If I donate peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), I will receive injections of a drug called filgrastim to increase the number of blood-forming cells in my bloodstream.
- If I donate marrow, anesthesia will be used.
I promise to:
- Keep my contact information up to date.
- Share my decision to join the registry with family and friends so I have their support if called as a match.
