Myth #1

"All donations involve surgery."

Fact

Bone Marrow donation does involve surgery.

PBSC and cord blood donation do not involve surgery.

Myth #2

"Donating is painful."

Fact

With marrow donation, you get general or local anesthesia so there is no pain during donation.

However, with marrow donation, discomfort and side effects vary from person to person.

With PBSC donation, there is no pain during donation.

However, with PBSC donation (injections), temporary headaches, nausea or bone and muscle pain have been reported.

With PBSC donation (procedure) some donors experienced tingling around the mouth, fingers and toes, bruising at the needle site, a decrease in the blood platelet count and mild muscle cramps.

Myth #3

"Pieces of the bone are removed from you during marrow donation."

Fact

Pieces of the bone are not removed from you during marrow donation.

Myth #4

"Donating costs money."

Fact

Donating is free and all medical expenses are paid for.

Myth #5

"I can't register if I'm over 44."

Fact

Those between the ages of 45 and 60 who want to register are welcome to do so, but are asked to make a $100 tax-deductible payment at the end of the online process to cover the cost to join.