Bree MacGillivray shares the story of her 8-year-old son Beckham who was diagnosed with blood cancer and received a life-saving marrow transplant. Bree has been an advocate for Be the Match and is working with the Idaho Air National Guard to hold a marrow drive July 13 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho.

1. Who Am I?
• I am a mother of a son who is living today
because of Be The Match
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 1

2. Be The Match
• Every four minutes someone is diagnosed
with a blood cancer.
• 70% of patients do not have a donor in
their family. They depend on Be The
Match.
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 2

3. PBSC Donation
• Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Donation
– Non-surgical
– 5 days before: Medication to boost stem cells
– Very similar to the machine used to donate
platelets or plasma
– Done over 76% of the time
• Side Effects
– You may experience headaches or joint pain
from the meds taken prior to donation.
– Resolves shortly after procedure.
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 3

4. PBSC Donation
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 4

5. Marrow Donation
• Surgical Procedure
– Given anesthesia, so you feel no pain during
the donation.
• Liquid marrow from the back of the pelvic
bone is withdrawn.
• Done less than 24% of the time.
• Side Effects:
– You may be sore for a few days up to 1-2
weeks after.
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 5

6. Joining the Registry
• To join the registry, you must be:
– Between the ages of 18-44
– Generally in good health
– Willing to donate to anyone in need
• Signing Up:
– Fill out consent form
– Cheek swab
The NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM® operates the Be The Match Registry®. 6