Stem Cell Donation FAQ
See the 'Be The Match' extensive stem cell donation FAQ HERE or click on the questions below for answers.
1. What is a Stem Cell Donation?
Blood Stem Cell donation is the nonsurgical process to obtain Blood Stem Cells from healthy donors to transplant into patients with different types of blood cancers. The donation process is similar to donating plasma, and it typically requires a 4-to-8-hour session at a hospital.
2. What does Shahin need?
Shahin needs a blood stem cell donation in order to replace his own immune system. Stem cells are special human cells that are able to develop into many different cell types. The only stem cells now used to treat disease are hematopoietic stem cells. These are the blood cell-forming adult stem cells found in bone marrow.
In Shahin's case, his doctors need to transfer peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) filtered from the blood of a matched donor's blood.
3. Why does Shahin need YOUR help?
So far, none of Shahin's blood relatives (cousins, siblings, etc.) have been a match to Shahin. Less than 1% of the registered donors in the US are identified as Middle Eastern. By registering more donors, we increase the chances of finding Shahin a Blood Stem Cell match, but also save many more lives of patients from Iranian and Middle Eastern background.
Click here to learn more about how stem cell donors and recipients are matched.
4. What do donors say about the process?
See what stem cell donors and donor medical staff say about their experience here.
5. Are there any costs to donate?
The testing and donation process is simple, non-invasive, and free of charge. Be The Match covers every cost related to donation, including any required travel, meals and hotel for donors and one companion.
All medical costs for the donation procedure are covered by the patient’s medical insurance or Be The Match.
Even after being matched the donor has the choice to decline proceeding with the stem cell donation. Be The Match cover all expenses associated with the process of stem cell donations.
6. How private and confidential are the testing and donation process?
Be The Match has rules and processes in place to protect the rights, privacy and confidentiality of both donors and patients.
Donor's personal identifying information will not be shared with any companies or government agencies. Information about donor's genetic type and the stored sample from their cheek swab are identified by a code and stored separate from any personal identifying information.
7. What exactly is the process for donating stem cells to Shahin?
The testing and donation process is simple, non-invasive, and free of charge.
Register online at (bethematch.org OR www.blood.ca/)
Receive your cheek swab kit, swab, and return using the postage-paid package
If you are a match you will be contacted, say YES when asked to donate!
Participate in an information session to learn about preparation and blood stem cell donation.
DONATE! It is like giving blood but for a little longer time :). Enjoy the feeling of having saved a life!
The typical time commitment for the entire donation process is 20 to 30 hours of your time spread out over a four-to-six-week period, not including any travel time. Learn more details about the process:
Previous stem cell donors and donor medical staff share their experiences here.
8. Does race and ethnicity affect matching donors to recipients?
Yes! The best matches are generally donors close to the racial and ethnic heritage of the recipient. Heritage is an important factor because tissue types are inherited, patients are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. Today, there aren't enough registered marrow donors of diverse racial and ethnic heritage, especially from Asian American and Middle Eastern populations to match Shahin.
Adding more diverse donors increases the likelihood that all patients will find a life-saving match. Learn more here: The Need for More Donors.
9. How will I know if I am a match for Shahin?
You will receive a call from the organization you have signed up as a donor (E.g. BeTheMatch, Canadian Blood Services)
10. If I am not contacted by anyone, what do I do next?
This most likely means that you weren't a match to Shahin or any other patients awaiting a transplant at this time. You can contact the stem cell registry your registered with to confirm that they have received your sample. Your name will typically be kept on the list for future patients who you may match, which could save another patient's life in the future.
As Shahin has said, "Please consider volunteering to be a donor; not just for me and my survival, but for humanity."
11. If I am matched and want to donate, how much time will the donation process take?
The overall time commitment for the donation process is 20-30 hours spread out over a 4 to 6 week period. In some cases the donation process may require air travel and staying overnight in a hotel.
Learn more about the steps leading to a stem cell donation here.
12. How can I become a stem cell donor to Shahin if I do not live in US?
If you live in a different country, you are still able to donate stem cells by registering in your own country's stem cell registry.
If you live in Canada contact: www.blood.ca/Hope4Shahin
If you live in a country outside of the US and Canada, please find your country's BeTheMatch partners HERE
13. Can I still help Shahin if I am not able to become a stem cell donor?
YES! There are many ways you can help even if donation is not an option:
14. I am a match!! Now what happens?
If you have already been contacted by Be The Match to give you the great news that you are THE one in 430 potential donors with a match, then you are assured that they are with you every step of the way through the process.
The entire donation process and what to expect is detailed in this Donor's Guide.