Ralph joined the NMDP Registry in 1992 when he learned of the need for more Hispanic donors. Several months later he was notified that he matched a 21-year old man searching for an unrelated marrow donor. Without hesitation, Ralph agreed to donate and underwent the procedure in June 1992. I have absolutely no regrets. He continues to be an active volunteer at the NMDP donor center where he registered.
Marrow is found in the cavities of the body's bones.
Marrow transplants are used to treat patients whose marrow stops producing the correct amounts of various blood cells. The odds vary widely, depending on the rarity of the patient's tissue type. This means that you may never be called, even as a preliminary match. However, if you are identified as a matched donor, you may be the only person who can provide lifesaving marrow to that patient. Once additional laboratory tests have determined that a potential donor matches a patient, the volunteer must decide whether to donate.