Resources
FAQs
How can I join the NMDP registry?
One swab is all it takes to save a life. Every year, 18,000 patients are diagnosed with life-threatening blood cancers or other blood disorders that could be cured or treated with a blood stem cell transplant. But 70% of them don’t have a fully matched donor in their family. They depend on NMDP℠ to find an unrelated donor.
Your healthy blood stem cells may be a patient’s best or only hope for a cure.
1. Register
Follow this link to register for NMDP through Project 44. Or text ‘PROJECT44’ to 61474. Answer simple questions about your medical history to make sure you meet health guidelines.
2. Swab
Your sample will be tested, and your genetic type will be added to the NMDP Registry℠.
3. Match
Because of the genetic complexity of matching donors to patients, it could be a few months or many years before you’re matched to a patient.
4. Donate
Patients and their families are counting on you to keep your promise to donate, if needed. You could be someone’s only hope for a cure.
How old do I have to be to join the registry?
You must be 18 to join the NMDP registry. Age guidelines protect the safety of the donor and provide the best possible outcome for the patient. They are not meant to discriminate.
Donors between the ages of 18-35 provide the greatest chance for transplant success. Doctors request donors in the 18-35 age group 75% of the time. Some believe that the age guidelines we have in place are to discriminate against those 41 and older. However, these guidelines are meant to protect the safety of the patient AND the donor.
Are there other ways to support Project 44?
Yes, you can support Project 44 in other ways besides joining the registry.
You can share the mission of Project 44 by encouraging others to join the registry and sharing and engaging with us on Instagram.
How can I host a drive?
Hosting a drive is a great way to encourage new people to the registry and promote the mission of Project 44. Contact us to get started.
Can my organization partner with Project 44?
Yes! We are always looking to partner with like-minded organizations. Contact us to get started.
To learn more about bone marrow and blood stem cell donation, visit NMDP’s Transplant Basics page.
