FAQ
Who is Genny’s Hope Foundation?
Genny’s Hope Foundation is a 501(c(3) nonprofit organization, incorporated in the state of Colorado.
Why was Genny’s Hope founded?
Genny received a second chance at life by finding a match on the international bone marrow registry. Genny’s mom, Ann, started this foundation as a way to pay it forward, so that all who need a life-saving bone marrow transplant have a match. We remain an all-volunteer organization, running bone marrow donor registration drives.
How many people are currently on the registry?
Currently, there are 9 million bone marrow transplant donors on the U.S. registry. Compare that to 86 million registered organ donors in the U.S.
How many people find a match in their family?
70% of patients do NOT find a bone marrow match in their families. That is why the registry is so important.
How many people receive a bone marrow transplant?
Only 40% of patients receive the transplant they need.
How many transplants occur each year?
The main U.S. registry, Be The Match, facilitates 300 transplants per month. That’s 3,600 per year.
How many people need a bone marrow transplant each year?
But each year, 15,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses where bone marrow transplantation is the best hope for a cure.
How many people die each year from not receiving a transplant?
3,000 people die each year while waiting for a transplant.
How do I get on the registry today?
You can become a bone marrow donor today. Go to Be The Match® and learn how.
If I join the registry what happens next?
When you register to be a bone marrow donor, patients are counting on your commitment. Their lives depend on it. Keep your information updated with the registry so that they can find you if you are a match.
What are the chances I will be matched?
- 1 in 40 registry members will be called for additional testing. Additional testing can be used to narrow the list of potential donors and determine the best possible match for a patient.
- 1 in 300 will be selected as the best possible donor for a patient. These potential donors will have an information session with their donor center representative to learn more about the donation process. Due to changes in the patient’s condition, not all donors who are selected as the best match will donate.
- 1 in 500 members will actually donate.
What happens next if I’m matched?
- Respond quickly.
- Give a blood sample for further testing.
- Make a time commitment of 20 to 30 hours over a 4- to 6-week period to attend appointments and donate.
- If you donate peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), you will receive injections of a drug called filgrastim to increase the number of blood-forming cells in my bloodstream.
- If you donate marrow, anesthesia will be used.
What is the donation process like?
Adult donors may be asked to donate in one of two ways:
- Peripheral blood cell (PBSC) donation involves removing a donor’s blood through a needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplants. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm.
- Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure in which liquid marrow is withdrawn from the back of the donor’s pelvic bones using needles. Anesthesia is always used for this procedure, so donors feel no pain during marrow donation. Most donors feel some pain in their lower back for a few days afterwards.
- Find an overview of the donation process.
What is the process to join the registry?
When you join the registry, you will use our registration kit to give a swab of cheek cells. The tissue type from the sample you provide will be used to match you to patients.
If you join in person at a donor registry drive, representatives can explain how to use the swab kit. If you join online, you will receive your kit in the mail. Instructions are included in your kit.
How can I contribute financially?
It costs $65 to $100 to register a person to the bone marrow registry. In order to cover these costs Genny’s Hope relies on donations. You can contribute funds that enable us to purchase the cheek-swab kits needed to register donors. Click on Donate, and learn how to make a monetary donation.
How can I volunteer?
You can help by volunteering. Just send us a note that you want to get involved. You can also help by informing and educating your friends and family, growing the number of potential bone marrow donors quickly.