Project Marrow is dedicated to promoting awareness about the need for marrow donors on the National Donor Registry. Joining the registry is as easy as a simple swab. Thousands of patients are in need of transplants and are waiting for a donor. Can you be a life saving match for a patient in need? Join the registry and be a hero!
Mission:
Project Marrow is a non-profit organization that fills a critical gap in care for individuals diagnosed with blood cancer by providing greater donor access, social and emotional support, and mentorship. Project Marrow also assures that the public is informed of the causes and effects of blood cancer, the need for donors, and how they can contribute to the support and care of blood cancer patients. These services will be provided in order to assure that blood cancer patients are more likely to find matches for transplants, but to also provide important emotional and social support.
Our Story:
In 2003 the founder of Project Marrow, Behnoush Babzani, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Aplastic Anemia. She was told that the only cure for her illness is a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, her only brother was a perfect match and she began treatment and had her bone marrow transplant in January of 2004. During treatment Behnoush met several patients with marrow cancer who were forced to have their life saving transplants put on hold because they could not find a donor. Behnoush grew close to her fellow patients and they served as a strong support system for each other. She became aware of the lack of donors on the national registry while watching cancer patients miss out on the opportunity for a healthy life. Behnoush promised that upon recovery she will spread the word and promote awareness to get people to understand the critical need for marrow donors. Project Marrow was created in honor of all the patients that did their part in battling their illness and were not able to cure it by themselves without a donor match.
Today:
Project Marrow is active in raising awareness about the lack of donors on the national registry and communicates the strong need for minorities to join. We encourage the younger population to get involved in this cause and organizes events in their communities. Project Marrow serves as an advocate for patients by organizing drives and getting their communities involved. We educate potential donors about what becoming a donor entails and how their gift saves lives. Project Marrow serves as a platform for individuals who want to give the most generous gift of all and become donors.