When we think of donating, we usually think about giving money to a cause. While this is wonderful, we recognize that not everyone can provide as much monetary support as they’d like. Here’s the good news: there are other things you can give to support pediatric cancer research and treatment.
For some, though, the thought of giving blood, marrow, or any other part of your body is a little scary. We’re here to help demystify the process for you so that you can make an informed decision. Remember: the temporary discomfort and inconvenience of these types of donations are well worth it when they can mean life, healing, and comfort for a child with cancer!
Support During Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy can cause anemia and low platelet count. Both cause fatigue, bleeding, and increased risk of infections – symptoms mitigated through blood transfusions.
During Surgery – Pediatric cancer patients may require surgery. When you donate, it ensures blood is available for transfusions during and after surgery.
For Overall Health – Blood transfusions help maintain adequate blood cell levels so kids can better handle treatments and bounce back faster.
Generally, healthy adults who meet the following criteria can donate:
Specific criteria can vary, so check with your local blood donation center for detailed requirements. There are also exclusions to remember – ask because these guidelines aren’t universal.
These are a few disqualifiers:
Donating blood is easy! Remember, some donation centers have specific programs to help pediatric cancer patients. It never hurts to ask.
Here’s the basic rundown:
What exactly is plasma? It’s the liquid part of your blood, where red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended. When separated from the blood, plasma is a light yellow color.
Apart from the same reasons blood helps kids with cancer, plasma also provides:
Immune System Support – Plasma contains antibodies and proteins that can boost the immune system of pediatric cancer patients, helping them fight infections and recover from illnesses more effectively.
Treatment of Complications – Plasma transfusions are crucial in treating complications such as severe infections or liver dysfunction that can arise during cancer treatment.
The qualifications and disqualifications for plasma donation are virtually identical to those for blood donation. However, donors must be 18, pass an examination and screening process, and have no history of infectious diseases.
Donating plasma is like donating blood. The difference is that the process takes 1 to 2 hours. You’ll have your blood drawn, the plasma is drawn out and separated, and the remaining blood components will return to the donor.
Treatment of Blood Cancers – Bone marrow and stem cell transplants are critical for treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Transplants replace the diseased bone marrow with healthy cells.
Restoring Bone Marrow Function – Some cancer treatments can destroy bone marrow. Transplants restore healthy bone marrow function, enabling the production of blood cells.
Immune System Reconstitution – Stem cells directly impact the immune system. They allow kids with cancer to better fight infections and recover from physically taxing treatments.
Increased Survival Rates – These transplants significantly improve children’s survival rates and quality of life, offering a chance for a cure and long-term remission.
Donors must be:
Those who cannot donate are those with:
Giving bone marrow and stem cells is slightly more involved than blood donation. Because of that, fewer people donate, and the need is great! Here’s how it works:
Join a Bone Marrow Registry – Register with organizations like Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program) or other local or international registries. This often involves filling out a health questionnaire and providing a cheek swab sample.
Be a Match – If you are a potential match for a patient, you will be contacted for further testing. This usually involves a blood test to confirm compatibility.
Undergo a Physical Exam – Before donating, you’ll have a thorough physical exam to ensure you are healthy and fit to donate.
Method #1 Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation – This is the most common method involving a procedure similar to donating plasma. You receive injections of a medication to increase stem cells in your blood. Then, blood is drawn, stem cells are collected, and the remaining blood is returned to you.
Method #2 Bone Marrow Donation – This involves a surgical procedure where doctors use needles to extract marrow from the back of your pelvic bone. Don’t let it scare you! General or regional anesthesia is used; you typically go home the same day.