Frequently Asked Questions

How to Become a Bone Marrow Donor.  

Click Here for an explanatory flyer.

I don't live in the United States.  Where can I go to be tested for potential bone marrow donation?  

We recommend that you contact the blood donation center nearest to you.  If they do not perform the testing, they should know where the nearest facility is that does. 

Do I have to have the same blood type as the recipient in order to be a bone marrow match?  

No.  Bone marrow donation requires tissue typing and matching.

Do I have to be of the same ethnic heritage as the recipient in order to be a bone marrow match?

No,  although a person with the same ethnic heritage would be a little more likely to match.

My child is Chinese.  Can I have her tested as a potential bone marrow match for Kailee?

Children, under 18, are able to register their marrow with NMDP for an immediate family member only. Doctors and Attorneys see no benefit to the child donating so they will not permit your child to become a donor, even with both parents written consent. Private donation is an expensive option that we discourage because the odds are so extreme.

What is Kailee's HLA type?

Because Kailee does not have a sibling donor for a bone marrow transplant, she is being treated with a chemotherapy regimen while awaiting an unrelated donor transplant.  If you are a healthcare provider, please contact Kailee's parents through the contact page for details on her HLA type.  

How does a person get aplastic anemia?

In most cases, the disease is "idiopathic" which simply means the origin is unknown.  Some other known causes are exposure to radiation, toxic substances including prescription and over-the-counter medications, and viruses.

Is aplastic anemia contagious?

No, it is not contagious.