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 or 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.
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. They need an unrelated individual, like you, willing to donate healthy marrow. Some characteristics of marrow type are unique to people of specific ancestry. Although it's possible for an Asian or Pacific Islander patient to match a donor from any racial or ethnic group, the most likely match is an Asian or Pacific Islander donor. More Asian and Pacific Islander volunteer donors are needed, so others can have a chance for a future.