Stem cells are specialized cells that develop into essential blood components. They produce red blood cells for oxygen transport, white blood cells for fighting infections, and platelets for controlling bleeding. These cells originate from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood - not embryos. Patients require stem cell transplants when their bone marrow fails due to illness or when chemotherapy/radiation treatments compromise their immune system.

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood-forming stem cells. When diseases affect bone marrow's ability to produce healthy stem cells, transplants become necessary.

Our registry (formerly OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network) connects volunteer donors with patients needing stem cell transplants. We're part of a global network spanning over 80 countries with more than 40 million registered donors. Operating under World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) standards, we coordinate national and international searches to help patients find matching donors.

A transplant replaces diseased stem cells with healthy ones from a matching donor. The stem cells can come from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. Transplant teams select the donation type based on several factors: donor availability (family or unrelated), patient prognosis, physical compatibility, age factors, and urgency of the transplant.

Matching uses Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) markers. While siblings offer the best match potential (25% chance), most patients need unrelated donors. Ethnic background plays a crucial role - patients typically match with donors sharing their ancestry, making diversity in our registry essential.

Registration and donation are completely free. All costs associated with donation are covered, including travel, food, and accommodation if you need to go to another city or province. In some cases, companion costs may also be covered. Most employers provide sick leave or paid leave for stem cell donors. If not, Canadian Blood Services may cover a portion of lost wages.

There are two main procedures for stem cell donation. The most common method (80% of cases) is Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation, where stem cells are collected from circulating blood through a non-surgical procedure called apheresis. This process takes 4-6 hours and is done on an outpatient basis. The second method (20% of cases) is bone marrow donation, a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia that takes 45-90 minutes. The method used depends on what's best for the patient.

Research shows that younger donors lead to better transplant outcomes for patients. Stem cells from younger donors can reduce complications such as graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Additionally, registering younger donors means they can remain in the registry longer, until age 60, increasing the chances of helping a patient. This age requirement aligns with international standards and helps optimize transplant success rates.