Patient resources and support

We’re here for you

Stem cell donors don’t just make a difference, they make all the difference.

Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry recruits volunteer donors who can give blood stem cells to patients in need. Most of the time, patients must rely on unrelated volunteer donors from a registry, often with a similar ethnic background to increase their chances of finding a match.

If you or a loved one are searching for a matching stem cell donor we are here to help.

Resources and support are available for you and your loved ones during your search for a stem cell donor

Host your own stem cell recruitment drive

We provide free supplies, templates, and support to help you host an event where people join the registry and have their cheek swab completed onsite.

Your event could be a turning point that matches you or a patient in need to their stem cell donor.

Host a recruitment drive

Share your story to inspire people to join the registry

Whether you're a patient or family member, sharing your story is a powerful way to inspire others to register to donate stem cells or cord blood.

Share your story with us

Spread your message

Every patient’s story matters. When people hear your story, they can’t help but be moved to act. Spread your message further by sharing your story and information about the stem cell registry with news and social media.

Use our media toolkit

Stem cell donors can make all the difference to these patients

All patients

Colton Burns on a swing at the play structure

Could you be the match? A transplant could cure his rare and life-threatening blood cancer

In need

Colton Burns needs a stem cell transplant for a rare blood cancer. His family is calling on all those aged 17 to 35 to join the stem cell registry to give him and other patients a fighting chance.

Read full story

Stem cell recipient and her family inspire thousands to #BeAHero

Match found

Hockey is the heartbeat of Gail Stewart’s home. With her husband Dave a coach, and their four kids playing competitively, carpools, puck drops and the whistle of the referee are all part of the rhythm of everyday life.

Read full story

Could you save her life? Melissa Nazareth needs to find a stem cell match

In need

Melissa Nazareth has been searching for a stem cell donor match since she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021. She’s counting on potential stem cell donors in Canada and globally to help her beat cancer.

Read full story

One matching stem cell donor could save these twin toddlers

In need

Twin toddlers Zoey and Misha Prajapati need a stem cell donor to help them recover from a rare genetic condition which puts them at risk of severe infections from common bacteria and fungi. Their parents hope their family's story encourages more people from their South Asian community to join the stem cell registry.

Read full story

Get informed about stem cell donation

Learn more about the donation process, understand important eligibility information, and find answers to stem cell FAQs.

Learn about stem cell donation