Be The Match Robin Roberts Bracelet
Be The Match is a nonprofit organization that helps patients with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma find a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. Robin Roberts, an anchor on ABC's Good Morning America, is a survivor of breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood disorder. In 2012, she received a bone marrow transplant from her sister, who was a perfect match.
The Robin Roberts Bracelet
In 2013, Roberts partnered with Be The Match to create a bracelet to raise awareness and funds for the organization. The bracelet, which is available in multiple colors, features a small charm with the Be The Match logo and Roberts' initials.
All proceeds from the sale of the bracelet go directly to Be The Match to help fund research and support patients and their families. The bracelet has become a symbol of hope and a way for people to show their support for those affected by blood cancers.
How Be The Match Works
Be The Match operates the largest and most diverse bone marrow registry in the world, with more than 22 million potential donors. When a patient needs a transplant, doctors search the registry for a donor who is a close genetic match.
If a match is found, the donor is asked to donate either bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. The donation process is safe and usually takes only a few hours. Most donors return to their normal activities within a few days.
Joining the Registry
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 44 who is in good health can join the Be The Match registry. It's as simple as filling out a form and providing a cheek swab. If you're a match for a patient in need, you'll be contacted to see if you're willing to donate.
Joining the registry is free, but it costs Be The Match about $100 to add each new donor. Donations from the sale of the Robin Roberts bracelet help cover these costs and support the organization's mission.
The Impact of Be The Match
Since its founding in 1987, Be The Match has facilitated more than 100,000 bone marrow and cord blood transplants for patients in need. The organization has also funded research to improve transplant outcomes and provide better care for patients and their families.
Thanks to the efforts of Be The Match and its supporters, the survival rates for patients who receive a transplant have improved significantly in recent years. Today, more than 80% of patients who receive a transplant survive for at least one year, and many go on to live long, healthy lives.
Get Involved
Whether you're interested in joining the registry, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about Be The Match, there are many ways to get involved and help save lives. Visit the Be The Match website to learn more and find out how you can make a difference.