14K-Knight Cancer Institute & DKMS

14K-Knight Cancer Institute & DKMS - Did you know that every 3 minutes, a child or adult in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Often, treatment may include a stem cell or a bone marrow transplant. Only 30% of patients who need a transplant will actually find a match in their family. Those who don't have a match within their family rely on the national marrow registry, a database that finds available, matched donors.
Depending on your ethnic background, the odds of finding an unrelated match are between 29%-79%. Ethnically diverse communities are under-represented on the registry. It is more difficult for patients with a diverse ethnic background find a matching donor. It is crucial that every patient in need of a transplant finds a donor. These transplants offer hope and a promised of a renewed life.

Every September, medical staff on 14k at The Knight Cancer Institute partners up with DKMS, a national marrow donor registry, to raise awareness about blood cancers and importance of joining the registry. Our goal is to help register real life heroes. This is our 12th drive at the OHSU Farmer's Market. All together, we have registered more than 1700 potential donors with 6 matches made. It takes less than 10 minutes to join the registry. All you need to do is fill out paperwork and swab your cheeks. Stop by our booth today. It only takes one swab to potentially save a life!