Ways you can help (besides joining the donor registry)

In November 2023, my dad was diagnosed with a type of leukemia that can only be cured by a blood stem cell transplant from a matching donor. Blood stem cell matches depend on genetic markers often linked to ethnicity, but donor registries lack diversity, making it much harder for patients of color—like my dad—to find a match.

Joining the registry is one powerful way to help — click here or text Lou4LIFE to 61474 to learn more.

But there are many other ways you can make a difference:

• Spread the word: Share this post, Lou’s story, or any of the links here with your community.

• Fundraise or donate: Whether you want to honor a loved one, run a race, rally your coworkers, or host a party, NMDP can help you find an approach that suits you.

• Volunteer with NMDP: Help with events or host one yourself! (If you’re curious about this, feel free to reach out to me — I’ve hosted them before and am happy to share my experience as well as tips on how to make them easy and fun… even if you’re an introvert like me.)

• Become a legislative advocate: Help protect patient access to care by engaging your state and federal legislators. NMDP’s Advocacy Network makes it easy to get involved.

You can also join me at ¡Panamá Presente!, a benefit I’m co-hosting for my dad, or visit nmdp.org/get-involved for more ideas.

Together, we can work toward a future where every patient has an equal chance to find their cure.