The chances of finding a match have improved in the past few years but still there are several minority patients who need a match.
Large number of donors from the same race increase the chance of a patient finding a match for a life-saving marrow transplant.

Together, we can HELP BRING A SMILE BACK TO LIFE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As SAMAR continues its quest to provide every blood cancer patient with an equal opportunity of finding a marrow/blood cell transplant, many changes are being made to ensure an easier process for donors and patients.

1.  No more blood samples needed to register.

     Starting April 2006, the SAMAR and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) no longer need blood samples as part of the registration process.  Instead, registrants are required to give a swab of their cheek cells.  This Buccal Swab is an extremely easy process and the registrant administers it him or herself.  All a registrant has to do is lightly rub the inside of his or her mouth with a buccal swab, thus catching a sample of cheek cells; 4 swabs are needed to provide enough cells for testing.  BUT registrants must keep in mind that if he or she eventually matches a patient, a blood sample is requested then for further testing.

2.  SAMAR has begun contacting matched donors.

     In our efforts to provide patients with a transplant as soon as a match is found, SAMAR has begun contacting the matched donors.  Through SAMAR's vast network of friends and committed volunteers, we have been able to get in touch with many donors through various channels.  As most South Asians will attest to, there is someone out there who knows someone, who knows someone...who knows someone, who knows them.  Using this incredible play-on of "Six Degrees of Separation," SAMAR has been able to contact potential donors at a rapid rate.

3.  Please update your contact information with the NMDP.

     Many volunteer donors forget that they will remain on the national registry until their 61st birthday.  For some, that time period is filled with relocations, telephone changes and even health changes.  It is imperative that if any contact information changes, volunteer donors need to update it with the NMDP.  As patients are on a race against the clock, we do not want to take any chances of delays due to contact information that is not current.  If you have not done so, please update your information at NMDP Update.