13 years ago this month, I joined the National Marrow Donor Program – the Be the Match registry. I can’t give blood, so I decided to join the marrow registry (I can give marrow, which seems to make no sense, but I’m not a doctor). I have never been matched to someone in need, but I figure that every option in the registry is a chance for someone who is seriously ill. It took me an afternoon to sign up and go to a private clinic to have my finger pad pricked and drops of my blood collected (I see now the process has changed to a cheek swab you do yourself at home, so it’s even easier).

Here’s how to join.

Here’s how to give.