Bone marrow: be someone’s match | Health24 – Health24
By Dr. Matthew Watson
12 May 2017 Bone marrow: be someones match A bone-marrow donation is not a scary procedure and doesnt involve drilling into your bones. We found out more.
Unfortunately many people still believe that donating bone marrow means doctors will need to drill into your bones. The reality is the donation process requires no surgery, no general anaesthetic and no drilling.
South African patients who have leukaemia or other blood disorders need a life-saving stem cell transplant and rely on the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) to find a match.
The challenges faced in growing the SABMR lies in the sentence itself, says Alana James, CEO of the Sunflower Fund. Its called The South African Bone Marrow registry, so when people see the word bone marrow they go Oh no I cant do that, it will hurt!
Understanding bone marrow
Bone marrow is found inside your bones its a soft, fatty tissue that helps with the production of red blood cells (to carry oxygen), white blood cells (to find infection) and platelets (to prevent bleeding). Some of the cells in the bone marrow can be pushed into the blood stream, where it can be collected and then used to help someone in need of a donation.
Real-life hero
Carey Symons, a blood stem cell donor and long-time support of The Sunflower Fund, was on the registry for 10 years before she was called to help a leukaemia patient.
The stats of a perfect match are 1 in 100 000 so you can only imagine my joy in being that 1 in 100 000 and that I was able to contribute to giving someone a second chance.
She travelled from Durban to Mediclinic Constantiaberg in Cape Town where she had a series of painless Neupogen injections that helped stimulate the production and release of blood stem cells.
Three days of injections later she was able to begin the donation process.
1. Two needles (similar to those used when you donate blood) were inserted in each arm. 2. Blood was drawn from one arm and circulated through a cell-separator machine. 3. Her stem cells were collected and the remaining blood was returned through the other arm.
Typically, the donation process takes between four and six hours.
I realised that the day I signed as a donor, I was only hoping to make a difference. I will never know whose life I made a difference to, and part of that mystery excites me. Its a blessing to give without knowing and without being thanked.
Harsh reality
There are just under 74 000 donors on the registry, but at least 400 000 are needed.
We definitely still have a mountain to climb and are committedly doing so. Registering as a donor on the SABMR is a simple process and can be very rewarding, says James. You could be someones perfect match.
There is a 1 in 100 000 chance of being a match. (Image: iStock)
Be someones 1 in 100 000
Signing up to be a donor is simple- if you do meet the criteria, you will receive a reference number and form to fill out. Next, youll go to your nearest Donor Recruitment Clinic where theyll take two test tubes of blood.
Your blood is analysed and put onto the national database. Unfortunately the tissue typing test is expensive (it costs R2 000) but you can make a donation to help free up their funds.
Youll receive your donor card in six to eight weeks, and if youre ever a match for a patient, you will be called.
Read more:
CT teen desperately needs bone marrow transplant
URGENT need for more bone marrow donors in SA
Needed: Black bone marrow donors
A leukaemia patient who had recently undergone a bone marrow transplant received a massive surprise when Taylor Swift visited him n hospital. When she saw that he had a keyboard in his room she asked him to play for her. As he plays Adele's "Someone like you", Taylor joins in, singing along!
CANSAs purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa. Its mission is to be the preferred non-profit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer. Questions are answered by CANSAs Head of Health Professor Michael Herbst and Head of Advocacy Magdalene Seguin. For more information, visit cansa.org.za.
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical exmanication, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
Thanks! Check your inbox to complete your subscription
Quiz
Cancer: are you at risk?
Read the rest here:
Bone marrow: be someone's match | Health24 - Health24
- 001 Expansion of Stem Cells by Valproic Acid [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- 002 Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Stem Cells for Liver Failure [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- 003 Science behind Enhancing Adult Stem Cells for wellbeing [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- 004 Stem cells Transplatation in Completed Paralyze Dog. [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- 005 STEM CELLS - Bone Marrow Stem Cells (Balzitt).flv [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- 006 Bone Marrow Stem Cells/Gene Therapy [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- 007 Stem cells used for medical treatment [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- 008 STEM CELLS FOR OTHER USES Interview with Sam Smith.wmv [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- 009 Stem Cells Reversing Endothelial Senescence [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2011]
- 010 Bone Marrow Stem Cells [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- 011 Bone marrow transplantation HD, ENG subtitles [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2011]
- 012 Adult Stem Cells May Target and Repair Heart Attack Damage [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2011]
- 013 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Applications [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- 014 Stem cells in bone marrow are being used to treat EB [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2011]
- 015 STEM CELLS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION Sam Smith's story.wmv [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- 016 MS Cure - Progression [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- 017 Blind Girl get's cure you need to see to believe" [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2011]
- 018 From Surgical Repair to Stem Cell Repair: A Surgeon's Journey by Leonard Smith MD, FACS [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2011]
- 019 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2011]
- 020 The potential of stem cells [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- 021 LifeCell in Kalaignar Seithigal,Sun News [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2011]
- 022 Spirulina DLA Naturals [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- 023 Bill Lahti; stem cell nutrition stimulates wound repair for diabetic stroke victim [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- 024 Christian Drapeau Talk About - Adult Stem Cells and StemEnhance./StemTech [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2011]
- 025 "Bone Marrow Stem Cells" Donald Kohn [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2011]
- 026 Cancer Update: Autologus Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- 027 Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant Recovery Fund [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- 028 Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplantation: An Introduction, With Sonali Smith, MD [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- 029 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Live from Top US Hospital [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- 030 Adult Stem Cell Mobilization from Bone Marrow (Animation) [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- 031 MS Cure - Introduction to stem cell bone marrow transplant in Australia [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- 032 Immune Modulation by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- 033 Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- 034 Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Patients Share Their Stories [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- 035 Stem Cell Transplant India,Bone Marrow Transplant India,Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment India [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- 036 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Expansion by HOXB4 and p21 Knock Out [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- 037 Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cells, and Hope, Part 2 [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- 038 Becoming a Blood Stem Cell Donor [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- 039 LittleBigPlanet 2 - Stem Cell Sackboy Quarter 4 Update (Bone Marrow Bugaloo) [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- 040 Can Stem Cell Prolotherapy or Bone Marrow Prolotherapy help articular cartilage defects? [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- 041 Mesenchymal stem cells and marrow stromal cells [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- 042 Bone Marrow Transplant and Stem Cell Transplant Treatment in India for International patients [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 043 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Aspiration and Re-Injection with PRP for Osteoarthritis by Dr Adelson [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 044 Selected Donor for Stem Cell, Bone Marrow [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 045 Stem Cell Injections - Bone Marrow Prolotherapy - treatment for arthritis [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 046 Nurses Discuss Special Bonds With Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Patients [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 047 Hagen's bone marrow collection part 1 [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 048 Samsparks after bone marrow collection for stem cell treatm [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 049 Chat w/ Dr. Maharaj, founder of S. FL. Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 050 Bone Marrow - Stem Cell Prolotherapy [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 051 MS Cure - Hickman line Insertion for stem cell/bone marrow transplant [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 052 Bone Marrow Transplant Program Continues to Grow, Make a Difference [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 053 Stem cell transplant in children: what to expect | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 054 LittleBigPlanet 2 - (WIP) Stem Cell Sackboy Bone Marrow Bugaloo [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 055 Calum's stem cell donation for Anthony Nolan [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 056 Stem Cell Treatment in New Jersey- Colon's story (Dr Damon Noto) [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 057 How to be an Anthony Nolan blood stem cell donor [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 058 Dr Steve talks about stem cells.mov [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- 059 Stem Cells extracted from bone marrow [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- 060 Webinar 1, Stem cell therapy basics, what is available today? [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- 061 Mesenchymal stem cells and marrow stromal cells---2nd--- [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- 062 Harvesting stem cells from horse bone marrow at UT [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2011]
- 063 Bone Marrow Stem Cells - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- 064 Stem Cell Transplant Apheresis Method - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- 065 Mantak Chia: Sumup stem cell (Berlin,Germany 2009) Part I : Bone marrow activate Stem cell - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- 066 Stem Cell, Bone Marrow Transplants / Donations - Easy and life saving proceedure - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- 067 HIV/AIDS: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Loren Leeds - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- 068 Sickle Cell Anemia: Stem Cell Gene Therapy - Donald Kohn - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- 069 Do you need a large number of stem cells injected for Bone Marrow Prolotherapy to work? - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- 070 What are stem cells? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- 071 What is in situ Stem Cell Injection Therapy or Bone Marrow Prolotherapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- 072 Stem Cells Research at Hadassah - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- 073 Blood or Bone Marrow Cells May Provide a Route to Healing Blood Vessels - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- 074 Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation #2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- 075 Radiation - Sickle Cell Half Match Stem Cell Bone Marrow Transplant 2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- 076 Sickle Cell Stem Cell Bone Marrow Transplant 3 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- 077 Macular degeneration - Stem Cell therapy (English subtitles) - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- 078 Where Do The Stem Cells Come From? Hollywood | Los Angeles - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- 079 Bone Marrow Stem Cell Injections - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2011]
- 080 Diabetes- Stem cell therapy (english) - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2011]
