It's easy to do something about and doesn't cost you anything. Many minorities do not register to donate bone marrow for cultural reasons, Huang said. Hong Pham, an LSA senior and the group's publicity chair, said donors of many different ethnicities are encouraged to participate in the drive. A match is most likely to be someone of your ethnicity. Huang said he hopes more minorities will get involved in bone marrow registration this year.
Bone marrow is removed with a special needle and syringe.
Anesthesia is used. The process is painless, but leaves soreness for several days after donation. Less than five percent of the body's bone marrow is removed, and regenerates in a few weeks. LSA junior Jesse Perez is registered to donate bone marrow, and said the donation procedure does not scare him. Those affected by bone marrow donation say the results are life-changing.