- Siblings under age 18 years can be donor if they
- Have permission from their parents
- Are donating to a sibling
- Want to donate their bone marrow
- Adults 18 years to 44 years can be donors
- In special cases older adults may be a donor
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- Being a donor is a big decision
- How do I feel
- Do I want to donate
- Do I feel pressured to donate
- Will the transplant work
- If it works I will be happy
- But what if it does not work
- Will I blame myself
- Will others blame me
- And what if my family member does not survive
- My family will worry about me and my child
- I will worry about both of my children
- Is it safe for my child to be a donor
- What if the transplant does not work
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- Talk to your doctor about testing for a sibling or child
- To volunteer to be in the Blood Donor Registry
- Contact a bone marrow donor program, such as Be the Match
- Testing involves taking a swab from your cheek or a small amount of blood from your arm
- You will be asked questions about your health
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- If you are a match for your sibling or child you will be notified by your doctor
- If you match someone in need of bone marrow
- The Registry will contact you
- You will sign a consent to donate
- A physical exam and blood tests will be done before you are permitted to donate
To find out the specific process for donation please visit Be the Match (see learn more link below)
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