SWAB FOR WHAT’S POSSIBLE
Patients like 
are
waiting for a blood stem cell
donor like 
Just one match could change my life.
Elise was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a disease that affects her bone marrow and often progresses to leukemia. With only 15% of remaining functioning bone marrow, Elise’s only hope for a cure is a blood stem cell donor like you.
searching patient
myelodysplastic syndromes
Elise
As a teenager, Elise battled and beat thyroid cancer. Now, 10 years later, the radiation that once saved her life has caused myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This disease negatively impacts normal blood cells in bone marrow and often leads to leukemia. Currently, Elise receives weekly transfusions and immunotherapies to keep her stable while she waits eagerly for a matching blood stem cell donor.
Despite her illness, Elise continues to share her spirit with the community that surrounds her. An avid baker, Elise owns WinniE’s Bakery in Baltimore, Md., is writing her own cookbook and consistently partners with charitable organizations.
Finding a donor would allow Elise to live all the shining possibilities that await her. But every day, she deals with the reality of a very urgent timeline to find that match. With a simple 20-second cheek swab, you could help Elise to live without pain––and without the worry that she won’t be able to see the bright future ahead of her.
Register online.
Answer simple questions about your medical history to make sure you meet health guidelines.
Wait for test kit.
Receive a cheek swab kit by mail in about 3–7 days.
Swab cheek. Return kit.
Your sample will be tested and your genetic type will be added to the Be The Match 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 Be The Match®
Be The Match® is a global leader working every day to save lives through cellular therapy. For people with life-threatening blood cancers––like leukemia and lymphoma––or other blood disorders like sickle cell, a cure exists. Be The Match connects patients with a matching donor for a life-saving blood stem cell transplant. The Be The Match Registry® is the most diverse registry in the world and includes both adult donors willing to donate to a stranger in need and stored cord blood units. In addition, Be The Match provides patients and their families one-on-one support, education, and guidance before, during and after transplant. Be The Match is also a global leader in research through the CIBMTR® (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research®)––a collaboration with Medical College of Wisconsin, investing in and managing research studies that improve patient outcomes and advance the future of care.