-- January 22 2015

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)/Be The Match CEO Jeffrey Chell expressed his gratitude to Reps. David Jolly (R-FL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) for their creation of the Congressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders. Today, the Caucus held a briefing to educate new Members of Congress about bone marrow and cord blood transplants in an effort to raise awareness about these life-saving therapies. 

"I would like to thank U.S. Representatives Jolly and Matsui for their ongoing commitment to support and raise awareness about these critically important treatments," said Chell.

Rep. Jolly has shown a strong interest in supporting the program since his days working on the staff of the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young, who established the national registry.

Rep. Matsui also has been a strong supporter of the CW Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. In 2010, she co-sponsored the reauthorization of the Stem Cell Research and Therapeutic Act, which extended crucial funding for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and National Cord Blood Inventory.

Both Members of Congress took part in the briefing today and spoke about the important role that Congress plays in ensuring that patients continue to have access to life-saving transplant therapies.

"Rep. Jolly and Matsui are going above and beyond to support this cause and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts," said Chell "We thank them for their leadership and tireless efforts."