How can you become a bone marrow donor and help save lives?

Since 1991, the Spanish Bone Marrow Donor Registry has saved more than 13,500 lives, 9,500 of them in Spain. In addition, in 2023, 632 people received a transplant, including 68 children.

Today, more than 42 million people are registered as potential donors worldwide. In Spain there are already half a million of us and, in the Community of Madrid, more than 69,000 people are waiting to be called to change a life.

Despite the fact that the probability of being called to donate is 1 in 1,250, this action is vital for many people who are fighting against serious illnesses that have not been able to be treated with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

What are the procedures for donating bone marrow?

There are two ways to obtain stem cells. One of them, in 90% of cases, is through citationpheresis, which consists of the extraction of stem cells through blood collection, a painless process that can last from four to six hours.

The other way is to perform a puncture. Although this process is short and painless, it requires general anaesthesia.

What do you need to be a bone marrow donor? 

To be a donor you need to be between 18 and 40 years old, although the Bone Marrow Donor Registry (REDMO) can call you to donate up to the age of 60.

In addition, you must weigh more than 50 kilos and have a body mass index of between 20 and 35. It is also important that you do not have pathologies such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

If you are interested in learning more about this act of solidarity and commitment, listen to the full episode here.

You can also find more information on the following official links and, if you wish, register as a donor:

• REDMO - José Carreras Foundation
• Transfusion Centre of the Autonomous Community of Madrid
• Equipo Médula - Informative blog