World Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Donor Day: donation opens possibilities
A day to thank donors and highlight their importance for many people with blood diseases
Every September, World Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Donor Day offers an opportunity to thank people who register as donors and those who have already donated hematopoietic stem cells to help patients who need a transplant.
Bone marrow is the tissue found inside certain bones where blood cells are produced, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In certain transplants, the focus is on hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to new blood cells.
These cells may come from different sources, including peripheral blood, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. In each case, the goal is to find a compatible source that may offer a new opportunity to a person with a serious hematological disease.
Why does this matter to the MPN community?
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), such as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (TE) and myelofibrosis (MF), are chronic blood diseases. Not everyone living with an MPN will need a transplant. For many patients, care focuses on disease control, prevention of complications, medical follow-up and symptom management.
However, in certain specific situations, especially for selected patients with myelofibrosis or advanced disease, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may become part of the medical conversation. International recommendations describe allogeneic transplantation as a potentially curative option for selected patients with myelofibrosis, while emphasizing that the decision depends on disease risk, age, general health, comorbidities and the availability of a suitable donor.
That is why talking about donation also matters to the MPN community. Behind every registry, every sample and every possible match, there may be an open door for someone who needs it.
Why registration matters
Finding a compatible donor is not always easy. Compatibility depends, among other factors, on genetic characteristics related to the HLA system. Broad and diverse registries can increase the chances of finding a suitable option for more patients.
Umbilical cord blood can also be a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells. In certain contexts, cord blood units stored in public banks may be used for transplantation when they meet the necessary criteria for compatibility and quality.
Every registered donor matters. Every cord blood bank matters. Every informed conversation matters.
Information, solidarity and realistic hope
World Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Donor Day is a moment to thank donors, recognize donor registries, cord blood banks, medical teams and professionals involved, and remember that clear information can help people make informed decisions.
For the MPN community, this day has a special meaning: it reminds us that research, donation, international registries and medical collaboration can become real possibilities for some patients.
Donation is more than a generous act. It is part of a network that can create more opportunities for life.
REMEMBER: Global MPN to Host Webinar for World Bone Marrow Donor Day
Webinar information
Date: September 21, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. (CET)
Format: Online
Speaker: Dr. Alejandra Martínez-Trillo
Topic: World Bone Marrow Donor Day and REDMO.
This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Any decision related to transplantation, treatment or donor registration should always be discussed with the appropriate medical team.
Stay connected with the international community
If you would like to continue learning and connecting with others living with MPN, we invite you to explore the initiatives of Global MPN.
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Together, we can help make reliable information more accessible to people living with MPN and their families.
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