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Asian & Pacific Islander Donors Can Save Lives

Look at me closely. I'm your child. Your cousin. Your friend.

I had a life-threatening disease and was told that a marrow transplant was my only chance for curing the disease.

My siblings did not match my marrow type and I needed a donor, probably another Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander for a match.

Then a miracle occurred. My marrow donor was found. I am here today with my wife and sons because my donor gave me a second chance at life.

Become a marrow donor by joining the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry today. Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander donors can save lives!

Why are Asians, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders Needed?

Marrow transplants require matching certain tissue traits of the donor and the patient. Because these traits are inherited in the same way as hair or eye color, a patient's most likely match is another family member. Unfortunately, 70 percent cannot find a match within their own families. They need an unrelated individual, like you, willing to donate healthy marrow.

For patients without a match in their family, the next best chance of finding a match is between people of the same race or ethnicity.

More Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander volunteer donors are needed, so others can have a chance for a future.

To learn more, see:

• Donor FAQs
• How to Help
• ABCs of Donation and Transplantation