Stem cell donation is race-specific, and right now, Black people have a much lower chance of finding a match because there’s a significant underrepresentation of Black donors on the stem cell (bone marrow) register.
Anthony Nolan have partnered with GatenbySanderson and ACLT for our 333 Pledges for 333 Lives campaign. Launched during Black History Month, our aim is to get 333 people to pledge to join the stem cell donor register, and as many of those as possible from Black or ethnically diverse heritage.
In the short video below, Victoria Pritchard, Senior Partnerships Manager at Anthony Nolan, answers eight myths and common questions about joining the stem cell donor register. She touches on many of the reasons people don’t join the register and the impact that has one people in need of a match – from the fear of needles, concerns about how DNA data is kept secure to who can and cannot become a donor.
Victoria also shares why it’s so important that we continue to build and diversify the stem cell register so every patient who needs a stem cell match has the opportunity to find one:
The eight myths and questions Victoria answers:
- What is the process for signing up to the stem cell register?
- How do you ensure the security of people’s DNA information?
- What does the bone marrow donation process involve?
- Can someone donate if they have a fear of needles?
- Can a person still donate if they’ve had a blood transfusion, have the sickle cell trait or experience mental health challenges?
- What impact can one person have on joining the register, especially in the Black community?
- How important is the collaboration with African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT)?
- Why can’t people from minority ethnic backgrounds have transplants?
About 333 Pledges for 333 Lives
This Black History Month we’ve launched 333 Pledges for 333 Lives – a campaign to address critical health disparities in the Black community by promoting stem cell (bone marrow) donation. In partnership with African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) and Anthony Nolan, we are on a mission to secure 333 pledges to join the stem cell donor register, representing the potential to save 333 lives.
The impact of this campaign is huge – together we can save lives. All it takes is to register with a cheek swab and donation is very similar to fiving blood – and you might get the chance to save someone’s life.
Whether you’re of Black heritage or not – we welcome everyone to pledge to join the register.