Question 1

Do I have to pay to register?

Accepted Answer

No. It is free to register.

Question 2

Can anyone join the registry through this program?

Accepted Answer

A member of the U.S. military, Reserve, Coast Guard, National Guard; military dependent; or DoD civilian employee • Between the ages of 18 and 60 • We cannot accept donors with HIV, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, hepatitis B or C, kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders

Question 3

Why does Salute to Life recruit only military donors?

Accepted Answer

The organization is the only one authorized to work with U.S. military and DoD-affiliated donors but we partner with the National Marrow Donor Program. We use many of the same processes and technologies. Our organization is uniquely suited to address the practical needs of active-duty donors.

Question 4

Do I become part of a military-only registry?

Accepted Answer

No. While only military, military dependent, and DoD civilian employees may join through our organization – these individuals become registered as part of the national registry. The national registry is open to both civilian and military patients in need of a transplant.

Question 5

I was told that I could not donate blood – does this mean I cannot donate marrow?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Certain factors that prevent you from donating blood such as living in Great Britain or taking malaria medication or having a recent tattoo do not preclude you from becoming a bone marrow donor. Other factors such as positive HIV status or bleeding disorder may keep you from donating.

Question 6

I am ineligible to join. Can I still help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are number of ways that you can still help people in need. Raise awareness, many people know very little about marrow and stem cell donation. Participate in a registration drive. We can send you all of the materials you need to hold a drive on your own installation.

Question 7

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Registration is very easy and takes less than 10 minutes. You will need to complete a consent form and swab your cheek. Kits are available through scheduled drives, walk-in clinics, or may be requested. Completed kits are returned to the Donor Center for processing.

Question 8

Do I need to re-register? Should I register again now that I am in the military?

Accepted Answer

There is no need. Once you have joined the national registry, you are a part of it until you turn 61 years old or ask to be removed. There is only one national registry. Joining multiple times actually creates problems rather than solves them.

Question 9

I registered while in the military, but I’m no longer in the service. How do I transfer out?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to transfer out of this Donor Center. We are proud to serve not only active military members, but also Reservists, inactive, separated, and retired military members.

Question 10

Will I donate right away?

Accepted Answer

No, for two reasons. (1) It takes time to have your sample shipped, typed, and added to the national registry. (2) You must be matched to a patient before you donate. There are many millions of registrants and only several thousand patients in need each year so most registrants are never matched.

Question 11

Will I ever hear from Salute to Life again?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As our organization grows, we are making an effort to reach out to our potential donors through electronically – including through our social media and other means. We hope that you will also stay in touch with us, updating your contact information as you change homes and jobs.

Question 12

How uncomfortable is it to donate?

Accepted Answer

It depends upon the person and the type of donation (marrow vs. PBSC). Marrow donors tend to experience hip and back pain and fatigue. PBSC donors tend to be tired and achy. But not everyone has the same symptoms – and some people are more or less bothered by them. No matter the type of donation

Question 13

How do I update my contact information?

Accepted Answer

Contact information can be updated online (www.salutetolife.org) or by phone at 1-800-MARROW-3.

Question 14

Who pays for all of this?

Accepted Answer

Not the donor. Our donors do not have to pay for HLA-typing, travel costs, medical costs, or any other donation expenses. Depending on the type of expense, these are covered either by our organization or Be The Match (another name for the National Marrow Donor Program).

Question 15

Do you have additional questions?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our webpage at www.salutetolife.org or call us at 1-800-MARROW-3.

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