Approximately every 9 minutes, someone in the United States dies of leukemia. By the simple act of donating bone marrow, one has the potential to help treat a myriad of diseases including leukemia, lymphoma, and inherited immune and metabolic disorders. While the search for the cure for many of these diseases continues, currently one of the most effective forms of treatment is through bone marrow transplantation.
Only 30% of patients in need of a bone marrow transplant are able to find a suitable donor within their own family. Patients needing a bone marrow transplant are most likely to find a match with someone from their own ethnic group.
BAPS Charities is determined to help increase the donor registry nationwide to help any of those that need this potentially lifesaving treatment. BAPS Charities organized a Bone Marrow Drive organized in Chicago, IL on December 11, 2016, which helped get 25 registrations. Similar drives were organized across the nation. Since 2006, BAPS Charities bone marrow drives have registered over 6,040 potential donors.
