FAQs

Some of the questions I’ve been asked along the way

1) Do you have to pay anything to be a donor?

Absolutely not. All costs related to the donation process are paid for or reimbursed by the Be The Match Registry.

2) Will you receive updates on how your recipient is doing?

Yes. I will receive an update around 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year post-transplant.

3) Will you get to meet your recipient?

Possibly. My recipient is at a transplant center that allows direct contact after a period of 1 year, provided both of us sign consent forms allowing our information to be released to the other. Until that time, we are allowed to send anonymous letters. These letters must be sent through the registry and be devoid of all personal details such as names, locations, job titles, etc.

I think it is very important to not go into this process with an expectation of meeting your recipient. For many different reasons, you may not get to meet them. Meeting the recipient, while a wonderful thing, is not what this process is about. It’s about giving them a second chance at life.

4) Where are you having the PBSC procedure done?

I completed the PBSC procedure as an outpatient at an apheresis center located within a major hospital complex about 1 ½ hours from my home town.

5) Did it hurt? Did you experience any side effects?

Nope. The PBSC procedure is almost the same as giving blood, it just takes longer and they return the uncollected blood product into your other arm.

I did not experience any side effects from the collection procedure itself other than feeling stiff and having a sore bum from sitting for 6 hours. I did have some of the commonly reported side effects from the Filgrastim injections. These included a mild headache, bone aches, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.

6) Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat.

7) How can I register to become a bone marrow donor?

Attend a donor drive in your local area or go to www.bethematch.org to order your swab kit today.

Have a question that wasn't answered here? Send it to me and I'll respond back to you.