So You Want To Be A Donor

So, you want to be a bone marrow donor? First of all, THANK YOU! More than 20,000 people in the United States are in need of a bone marrow transplant. There is only a 1 in 4 chance that a sibling will be a match for a patient in need, so you could make the difference! However, there are some basic eligibility requirements.


BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Between the ages 18 and 55
• Be in good health
• Weigh more than 110 lbs.
• Not be HIV positive of at risk for AIDS
• Not have severe heart disease
• Not have a history of cancer*
• Not have severe asthma (daily inhalers are acceptable)
• Not have diabetes requiring insulin
• Not have hepatitis
• Not have epilepsy
• Not have chronic or severe back problems
• Not have autoimmune disorders (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis)
• *Cervical, breast, and bladder cancer (stage o) and cured skin cancer are acceptable

If you meet these requirements, you have the chance to save a life and become a hero!