Join in the fight against a life‑threatening disease
Rhyder has been battling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) his entire life. He needs a blood stem cell transplant to cure the rare autoimmune disease.
Will you answer his call?
A symbol of hope and resilience
In Hawaiian culture, the shaka sign—the pinky and thumb salute—is a symbol of the “aloha spirit.” It means “hang loose” or “take it easy” and has become Rhyder’s personal mantra. He loves taking videos and pictures of himself signing it while at the beach or playing with friends. But everything hasn’t been carefree and easygoing for Rhyder. At birth, he was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
HLH is a rare autoimmune disease that causes white blood cells to build up and attack vital organs and systems throughout the body. Currently, Rhyder takes medication and has infusions every eight weeks to manage his symptoms but his only chance for a cure is a blood stem cell transplant. Rhyder needs to find a matching donor.
Despite the challenges Rhyder and his family have faced, he continues to radiate the “aloha spirit.” By joining the donor registry, you can help Rhyder get back to being the carefree and fun-loving kid that his family and friends know him to be.
Give Rhyder hope.
Still not sure?
Read through our most frequently asked questions.
Does donation hurt?
- While TV shows and movies have wildly exaggerated blood stem cell donation—especially bone marrow donation—as something scary, the reality is much less dramatic.
- There are two ways to donate, but most blood stem cell donors give peripheral blood stem cells—a process similar to donating plasma.
- Discomfort during recovery varies from person to person. Side effects may include back pain, fatigue, headache or bruising for a few days or weeks.
How long does this process take?
- Online registration takes about 10 minutes.
- The next step, completing and returning a cheek swab kit, only takes a few minutes.
- If you’re called to donate, the typical time commitment for the donation process is 20–30 hours spread out over a four–to six–week period. This includes phone calls, appointments and donation.
Why does donor age matter?
Doctors request donors in the 18–35 age group 75% of the time because medical research has shown that cells from younger donors lead to better long-term survival for patients after transplant.
What happens if I get matched with a patient?
If you match a patient, you’ll be contacted to confirm you’re willing to donate. Once you agree, you’ll be asked to update your health information and participate in additional testing to ensure you’re the best match for the patient.
Will I have to take time off work?
While a donor might have to take a few days off from work, NMDP offers lost wage reimbursement for those willing to save a life. Additionally, we cover 100% of donor expenses, from travel to personal costs.
Swab for what’s possible
Register online
Answer simple questions about your medical history to make sure you meet health guidelines.
Wait for test kit
Receive a free cheek swab kit by mail in about 3-7 business days.
Swab cheek.
Return kit.
Your sample will be tested, and your genetic type (HLA) will be added to the NMDP Registry.
Stay committed.
Be patient.
Because of the genetic complexity of matching donors to patients, it could be several months or many years before you’re matched to a patient.
Say “yes” when asked to donate
Patients and their families are counting on you to keep your promise to donate if needed. You could be someone’s only hope for a cure.
About NMDPSM
At NMDP SM, we believe each of us holds the key to curing blood cancers and disorders. As a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, NMDP creates essential connections between researchers and supporters to inspire action and accelerate innovation to find life-saving cures. With the help of blood stem cell donors from the world’s most diverse registry and our extensive network of transplant partners, physicians and caregivers, we’re expanding access to treatment so that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy. NMDP. Find cures. Save lives.