Swab the World: Why We Need YOU (Yes, You!) to Join the Stem Cell Registry

Here’s something most of us haven’t thought about—being a stem cell donor. But let’s get real: it’s a pretty big deal for people in our communities who might need one.

Black people and other ethnic groups face serious challenges when finding a donor match because most registered stem cell donors are from European backgrounds. This matters because matching donors often means finding someone with a similar ethnic background, and that’s where we come in. Swab the World is here to make donating stem cells as easy as a cheek swab (literally) while opening doors for people who might need a match one day. So, let’s dive in and see why this is way more important than you’d think.

 

Who is Swab the World?
Swab the World was co-founded by Mai Duong who learned about the lack of diverse donors in a pretty intense way—through her own cancer journey. After being diagnosed with leukemia, she found out her chances of survival were slim due to the lack of ethnic diversity in donor registries. With that realization, she set out to shake up the system and make the registry more inclusive. Today, Swab the World is making waves, getting people from all backgrounds (including ours!) to join the registry and help each other out. It’s about representation where it literally saves lives​.

Why Ethnicity Matters
Okay, so here’s the science part: finding a stem cell match goes beyond blood type and actually comes down to DNA. This means that if you’re Black, your best chance at a match is another Black donor. Unfortunately, since the majority of registered donors aren’t Black, the odds are stacked against patients from Black and other minority backgrounds who need transplants. It’s an unfair game of statistics, and we have the power to change it. Swab the World’s mission is simple: to give everyone an equal shot at finding a match.

Real Stories: Why It’s So Important
Meet Robert Webster, a kid who’s been dealing with sickle cell disease his whole life. For a while, his symptoms were manageable, but recently, he’s been in and out of the hospital with pain crises that make normal things, like school and hobbies, impossible. He had to give up playing trumpet in his school band because he’s in too much pain. Robert needs a stem cell donor to get his life back to normal, and that’s where people like us come in. By swabbing, we could be the one to give Robert—or someone like him—the chance to just be a kid again.

So How Does Swab the World Help?
Swab the World makes joining the registry simple. All it takes is a quick cheek swab to collect your DNA (no needles, no stress) and filling out some basic info. Once you’re in the registry, they’ll contact you if you’re ever a match for someone in need. They even throw events and Swap Talks to help spread the word and educate people, especially in communities of color, where awareness about this issue is lower. So, not only do they make it easy, but they also make it accessible to everyone.

It Could Be You or a Friend Someday
Sickle cell and other blood disorders don’t just affect “someone else”—they affect real people, often in our own communities. It could be a friend, a cousin, or even you who needs a stem cell transplant one day. The good news? Being part of the registry means you could be the answer to someone’s prayers if they ever need a donor. So, yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Call to Action: How YOU Can Make a Difference
Ready to be a hero without the cape? Swabbing is easy and could save someone’s life. Go to Swab the World’s site, register, and get that cheek swab done. Not ready to swab? No problem—spread the word, share posts, and encourage friends to get involved. Every new person who joins makes a difference.

The Impact: A Growing Community of Lifesavers
Every new swab adds a lifeline to the registry and boosts the chances for someone in need to find a match. Swab the World is building a movement, and it’s working—thanks to more diverse registrants, more lives have already been saved. By stepping up, you’re helping ensure that the next time someone needs a match, they’re not left waiting.

 

Shoutout to NotJustYou
NotJustYou is another awesome group in the Black community focusing on sickle cell awareness. They provide resources and create a sense of hope for those living with sickle cell, showing that life with the disease can still be fulfilling and positive. It’s another part of the puzzle in making sure everyone has support, and that’s pretty inspiring.

 

So, there it is—by swabbing, sharing, or just talking about it, you can be part of a solution that gives real people hope. Register today, get your swab on, and become a lifesaver in your own way. Because you never know who might need you.