How I did it: It's incredibly easy to register to become a bone marrow and stem cell donor in Canada.

First off, it costs you nothing. Secondly the majority of the work can be done online.

Once you've filled out the application, One Match will contact you. First by email confirming the registration, then by phone when they clarify a few questions with you (name, basic contact info, etc).

Within a few days you'll receive a package that contains four cotton swabs. You swab your upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right inside cheeks for 30 seconds to collect tissue and attach tag to make note of the date and your i.d. number.

Pop the swabs into the little holder and send back in the mail in an prepaid envelope.

That's it. You're done.

I can't believe I didn't do this sooner. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to help someone, but just knowing that I put myself out there makes me feel happy.

Lessons & tips: Just do it.

Fewer than 30 per cent of patients who need stem cell transplants find
a compatible donor within their own families. You could be the match that will save a life.

Resources: http://www.onematch.ca/

Jun 29, 07:32AM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers