Each year, more than 30 thousand people are diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases. A bone marrow transplant from a donor offers hope for a cure.
Blood diseases can damage bone marrow, the soft tissue of the bone that houses blood cells. To try to fix the damage, doctors can transplant donated bone marrow stem cells. You may have heard that bone marrow donation can be an uncomfortable process. Today, the technique has improved so that the majority of bone marrow donations involve a process that’s similar to donating blood.
Keep in mind, 70 percent of people who need a transplant can’t find a bone marrow donor within their families, emphasizes Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH. Your donation can save a life.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is encouraging individuals to consider donating bone marrow to help those in need. Offering hope for thousands of people diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases, a bone marrow transplant from a donor can potentially cure these ailments.
Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of NIDDK, explains, Blood diseases can cause significant damage to the bone marrow, the soft tissue responsible for the production of blood cells. To address this, doctors often turn to bone marrow transplants, which involve the transplantation of donated bone marrow stem cells.
In the past, the phrase bone marrow donation often conjured images of an uncomfortable and invasive procedure. However, advances in medical technology now ensure that the majority of bone marrow donations involve a process that is similar to donating blood.
It is important to note that a significant challenge faced by those in need of a bone marrow transplant is finding a suitable donor within their families. In fact, approximately 70 percent of individuals requiring a transplant are unable to locate a donor among their relatives.
In light of this, Dr. Griffin Rodgers highly encourages individuals to consider becoming bone marrow donors. By registering to become a donor, you have the potential to save a life and bring hope to families facing the devastating effects of blood diseases.
To learn more about bone marrow donation and to register as a donor, visit the NIDDK website or follow them on social media for updates and information. Together, we can make a difference and provide a chance for a cure to those impacted by life-threatening blood diseases.
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