A Bone Marrow transplant is a life saving option in the treatment of many diseases of the blood. Marrow fills the inner cavity of many of our bones. It is vital because it produces, the red blood cells that carry oxygen, the white cells that fight infection, and the platelets that stop bleeding. Bone Marrow is regenerative, therefore a donor does not experience a loss of function in providing an individual with a “second” opportunity for a healthy life. The transplant is a medical procedure where the compatible marrow is harvested from a volunteer donor and given to a needy recipient.
Bone Marrow is the organ that makes our blood. If this “blood factory” within us begins to malfunction due to any one of several diseases, we are in great physical peril and may need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Sometimes the only compatible source for bone marrow is a total stranger. It could be someone from across town, across the country, or around the world. The Canadian Blood Services Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry is there to help find that one unselfish individual who could save a life.