Donor Commitment
Donating stem cells is a significant commitment, and we want all volunteers to be well educated. If identified as a match, each donor is counseled on the risks and benefits of donation at an information session, and receives a comprehensive physical exam. The donor bears no costs associated with the procedure or associated tests.
Stem cell donation is a voluntary process. Prospective donors are never under pressure to register. In fact, we ask that you take some time to consider your commitment in order to avoid giving false hope to patients in need. For the patient, there is no turning back once the pre-transplant treatment begins. Without the donors healthy stem cells, the patient would die. Thus, it is crucial that the donor be committed to participate once the intent to donate is given.
The Transplant
Several days prior to the donor's stem cell collection, the patient begins pre-transplant conditioning usually consisting of radiation and chemotherapy. This process eradicates the patients diseased immune system, and the patient is kept in protective isolation to prevent infection. The donor's stem cells are given intravenously to the recipient. The stem cells migrate through the circulatory system to the hollow cavities of the bones. If all goes well, the stem cells engraft within a few weeks and begin to manufacture healthy blood cells, giving the patient a second chance - the gift of life! If both donor and recipient agree (this must be a mutual agreement), they may be able to meet one year after the transplant, although this is depends upon laws in foreign countries.
The recuperation process is lengthy, but the patient has been given a second chance at a full life thanks to the kindness of a stranger - and that someone may be YOU!
The Next Step
Gift of Life considers donor education a high priority. Many donors agree to be tested without considering their commitment carefully. In order to avoid giving false hopes to a patient needing a stem cell transplant, we ask that you give this decision your complete attention. Then, if you wish to join Gift of Life, you can register online or attend a community recruitment drive.