How Bone Marrow Donation Works

Why Ethnicity Matters

Bone marrow produces blood and immune cells. When someone gets blood cancer, a transplant from a healthy donor can save their life.

Here's the catch: The donor's cells must match the patient's genetic markers (called HLA type). This genetic matching is heavily influenced by ethnicity and ancestry.

If you're South Asian, your genetic markers are most likely to match another South Asian person. A white donor won't match you. An Asian donor from a different region might not match.

That's why representation matters.

With only 3% South Asian donors in the national registry, South Asian patients face impossible odds.

The Donation Process

You attend a MarrowLink drive and complete simple paperwork (or do it online). We swab your cheek—that's it. Takes 2 minutes.

How Bone Marrow Donation Works

Why Ethnicity Matters

The Donation Process

Step 1: Registration (10 minutes)

Step 2: Waiting (Could be Never)

Step 3: Being Called (If You Match)

Step 4: Final Screening (If You're Called)

Step 5: Donation (If You Proceed)

Step 6: Follow-Up