WUMR
  washington university marrow registry

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is this all about?
  • Can I join the registry if I've recently donated blood?
  • Can I join the registry if I'm an international student?
  • Am I eligible to join the registry?
  • What should I bring with me to the drive?
  • What happens if I'm asked to donate bone marrow?
  • Where is Washington University?
  • I still have questions . . .

    What is this all about?

    For patients suffering from Leukemia or other potentially fatal blood diseases, a marrow donation can represent the only chance for life. Unfortunately, the odds of finding a perfectly matched donor are very slim.

    If a match is not found within the immediate family, the chances are one in a million of a caucasian patient finding that match elsewhere, and for minorities, the odds can be much much worse.

    In order to make these chances better, the National Marrow Donor Program maintains a national database of people who are willing to donate marrow, should they turn out to be that 'perfect match' for a patient needing a donation. We at the Washington University Marrow Registry are dedicated to getting as many people into that database as possible.

    The more people on the list, the more likely each life is to be saved.

    Since our founding in 2001, our annual registry drives have added 1606 people to the NMDP database (more information on that here).

    We look forward to continuing and broadening our efforts, and would appreciate your help in doing so. Whether by registering as a donor, helping us put on a drive, or just spreading the word on this important issue, you could be helping to save a life.

    For more information on the Washington University Marrow Registry specifically, please see our club history.

    For information on volunteering, please visit our volunteer page

    Can I join the registry if I've recently donated blood?

    Yes! All we need to type your bone marrow is a few swipes on the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab, so you may join the registry even after a recent blood donation.

    Can I join the registry if I'm an international student?

    We're sorry, but the NMDP asks that you join the registry in your native country. If you would still like to help, please consider volunteering to staff our drive or sponsoring another student to join.

    Am I eligible to join the registry?

    View the NMDP Health History Questionnaire.

    What should I bring with me to the drive?

    • Social Security Number or Driver's License
    • Address and phone numbers of two alternate contacts who do not currently live with you.

    What happens if I'm asked to donate bone marrow?

    View the NMDP Steps of Donation.

    Where is Washington University?

    View driving directions.

    I still have questions . . .

    Please visit the NMDP FAQ page, or contact us.

  • Contact WUMR if you have questions or are interested in getting involved.

    Please check back soon for more information! You could be the missing piece!