NMDP, Lawmakers Join Forces to Recruit Marrow Donors

New Campaign to Add 150,000 Diverse Donors to the NMDP Registry

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) have joined together to launch a grassroots campaign designed to increase the diversity of volunteer donors on the National Marrow Donor Program Registry.  Dubbed "The Life You Save...," the campaign goal is to recruit 150,000 Black and African American marrow donors over the next year.

Each year, thousands of Black and African American families have a loved one battling a life-threatening blood disease, such as leukemia. Many could be treated with a marrow or cord blood transplant, if a matching donor could be found.

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, a member of the CBC representing California's 37th district and a found of "The Life You Save..." campaign, recognizes the incredible need for more donors of color. "This campaign gives Blacks and African Americans the ability to help individuals struggling with leukemia and other blood diseases overcome these grave, life-threatening conditions. By increasing the number of Black and African American donors on the NMDP Registry, thousands of patients fighting these illnesses will be able to find the match they need for a transplant."

Starting in November, "The Life You Save..." will work towards its goal by conducting donor drives in select cities and districts represented in Congress by a member of the CBC and governed by a mayor who is a member of the NCBM.

"It is important for local communities to encourage individuals to join the NMDP Registry," said Mayor Robert L. Bowser, president of the NCBM. "It's not very often that we have a chance to save a life. By joining the Registry, each of us may be able to provide a cure for someone's brother or sister, a parent, child or other loved one."

Farrah Gray, best-selling African American author and young entrepreneur, is a national spokesperson for the NMDP. Gray's sister, Greek, received a transplant earlier this year, but unfortunately lost her battle with leukemia. Although pained by his tremendous loss, Gray remains committed to working with the NMDP to recruit more Blacks and African Americans to join the Registry. "Even though we lost Greek to leukemia, we were able to register many people who may be a match for others in need of a transplant. My family and I will continue recruiting potential donors to ensure that all patients are able to find a match."

"We are proud to be supported by the CBC and the NCBM in our mission to help more people live longer, healthier lives," said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., chief executive officer, NMDP. "We enlist the support of Black and African American civic, community and faith-based organizations to raise awareness around the country and encourage more people to join the NMDP Registry." In addition, the NMDP provides patient advocacy and support services to increase patient access to life-saving marrow and blood cell transplant therapy.