Next week, Texas Children’s will once again partner with the NMDP (formerly Be The Match) to host our fifth on-site registration and swabbing event—an initiative previously known as Cheek Week. This ongoing collaboration reflects our shared commitment to giving hope to patients who are searching for a life-saving bone marrow or stem cell donor.
This year’s event will take place on:
Wednesday, December 10
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Auxiliary Bridge (between MWT and WT)
The goal of the event is simple but powerful: encourage eligible staff, patients, and family members ages 18–40 to join the NMDP/Be The Match Registry. The process is quick—just 5–7 minutes to register, followed by a cheek swab for those who qualify. Joining the registry does not guarantee you will be called as a match; however, if you are identified, you could be the one person capable of saving a life.
Cheek Week began at Texas Children’s in 2020 with a focused mission: increase the diversity of donors on the registry. The need is profound. A patient’s likelihood of finding a perfect 10/10 unrelated donor match varies greatly by race and ethnicity:
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African American/Black: 29%
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Asian: 47%
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Hispanic/Latino: 48%
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American Indian: 60%
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Caucasian/White: 79%
These disparities underscore why expanding the registry—especially with ethnically diverse donors—is so critical. Every new registrant increases the chances that a child or adult battling a life-threatening condition can find their match.
We are proud to continue this life-changing partnership and grateful to everyone who has participated over the years. Together, we can help ensure that every patient has the best possible chance at healing and survival.
Let’s make this our most impactful year yet.