Facts & Figures

Did you know that tissue type is inherited, like eye or hair color? That is why a patient's best chance of finding a genetic match lies with those of similar ethnic or racial ancestry. As a result, ethnic diversity of the worldwide bone marrow registry is crucial to find matches for all patients in need, particularly patients of minority backgrounds.

Tragically, minorities are severely underrepresented in the bone marrow registry. This means that it is much more difficult for a minority to find a bone marrow donor and have a successful transplant.

Here is a breakdown of donors in the national bone marrow registry, by race *:

• 73% White
• 9% Hispanic or Latino
• 8% African American or Black
• 7% Asians
• 3% Multiracial
• 1% American Indian/Alaska Native

* National Marrow Donor Program, cited in Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2009.

Minorities are clearly underrepresented. YOU can help us make a change.

Swab a Cheek, Save a Life has chosen to partner with the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation because of their success in increasing the representation of donors of a specific ethnic background. Since 1991, GOL has increased the odds for a Jewish transplant patient in search of perfectly matched bone marrow donor from zero to 70%.

Swab a Cheek, Save a Life is committed to achieving these results for all minorities.