IT'S SIMPLE:
What if 
were fighting for 
life?
Travis Snyder battled leukemia for more than eight years. He passed away on December 3, 2023 without ever finding a matching donor on the worldwide blood stem cell registries. He was a true warrior, a loving husband and father of three sons. His ultimate request to his friends and social media followers was to continue to advocate for more people to sign up to become blood stem cell donors. We leave this page up in memory of Travis and his legacy.
Looking to support patients and their families in another way? You can help them cover uninsured costs by making a gift today.
May 26, 2022
-Travis
leukemia patient
It’s been over 2,500 days and Travis Snyder, 44, is still fighting his battle with leukemia. He’s a loving husband to his wife Heidi and a devoted father to his three sons, Luke, Miles and Hank. Travis needs to find a matching blood stem cell donor.
In March of this year, Travis relapsed for the third time. Having exhausted many treatment options, Travis has been working closely with his good friend Aquaman actor Jason Momoa. Together, the pair have been calling on people aged 18-35 to join the NMDP Registry. Doctors request donors in this age group 75% of the time because medical research has shown that cells from young donors 18-35 lead to better long-term survival for patients after transplant.
The good news is that ANYONE can make an impact. For those outside of the 18-35 age range, NMDP provides simple, meaningful ways to show patients like Travis that you have their back, which you can learn more about here.
Travis and Jason know good people are out there. They know that heroes like you can make a selfless donation and give more time to people with blood cancers and other blood diseases. But we’re not there yet—there are simply not enough donors on the registry.
Travis needs you. He wants to be around for his wife and sons. He wants to live—and so do thousands of other patients who are waiting for a matching blood stem cell donor.
STILL NOT SURE?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
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.
If you’re unable to donate blood stem cells, make an impact by donating to our Foundation.
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.
- Most blood stem cell donors give peripheral blood stem cells––a process similiar to donating plasma.
How long does the donation process take?
- Online registration takes about 10 minutes. 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.
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.
What if I get matched to 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.
Here's how you can start helping patients in need:
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 1-2 weeks.
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.
If you're unable to donate blood stem cells,
make an impact by donating to our Foundation.
About NMDPSM
At NMDPSM, 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.
