South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR)

South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) The SABMR exists to help find matching donors for patients needing a bone marrow transplant and who do not have a match within their own families.

Why do people need bone marrow transplants? Every year, hundreds of South African children and adults with blood diseases such as leukaemia and bone marrow failure are considered for bone marrow transplantation for which a healthy donor is needed. In 30% of cases a suitable donor can be found within the patient's family, usually a brother or sister. For the other 70% of patients, their only hope is for the SABMR to find them a matched unrelated donor. How does the SABMR find donors for patients? Patients are not responsible for finding their own unrelated donor. Doctors contact the SABMR to search for donors both in the local and international databases. Currently the SABMR database is approaching 74 000 donors and there are nearly 30 million donors in registries worldwide. Access to this large pool of donors increases the chance of finding a match for a patient. However, finding a suitably matched unrelated donor is a complicated process that takes time, so it's a good idea for the search to be started as soon as possible. Of the patients transplanted to date, for approximately 25%, a South African donor was found; for the remaining patients a donor was found in another country. Once a match has been found, what next? The SABMR works with the transplant centre and the donor centre to schedule the donation. On the scheduled date, the marrow or blood cells are collected and transported from the collection centre to the transplant centre. The SABMR arranges all the logistics to ensure that the cells arrive on time. The precious cells are hand carried by trained, experienced individuals.

It’s back to school this week and the perfect time to teach the most important lesson of all – saving a life is within r...
14/01/2026

It’s back to school this week and the perfect time to teach the most important lesson of all – saving a life is within reach.

If you’re 16 years and older and relatively healthy, you can register as a stem cell donor – students, parents, teachers and young adults alike.

Start the year empowered, start it by giving hope: Sign up here: https://sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor/

Did you know, your financial donation does far more than you think? Every rand supports a patient’s journey to finding t...
12/01/2026

Did you know, your financial donation does far more than you think? Every rand supports a patient’s journey to finding their live-saving match. You contribution helps cover

- Tissue typing
- Donor searches – both local and global
- Lab testing
- Transport and logistics
- Our Patient Assistance Programme – lending a hand to families who cannot afford costs associated with transplant.

Your generosity brings patients one step closer to survival and ultimately their second chance at life.

Give hope today – click here to donate: https://sabmr.co.za/donate-funds/

Moved recently? Changed your number or switched emails? Please update your details with the SABMR – it could literally s...
09/01/2026

Moved recently? Changed your number or switched emails?
Please update your details with the SABMR – it could literally save someone’s life.

Outdated info can delay reaching a matched donor when every second counts for a patient. Updating takes less than a minute and it keeps you connected when it matters most.

Click here to updated your details now! https://sabmr.co.za/contact/

Saving lives is easier than you think! Here’s how to join the SABMR in three quick steps:1️⃣ Click to www.sabmr.co.za to...
07/01/2026

Saving lives is easier than you think! Here’s how to join the SABMR in three quick steps:
1️⃣ Click to www.sabmr.co.za to register
2️⃣ Complete your buccal swab kit (which we will send and collect at no cost to you)
3️⃣ Contact us to return and once processed, if eligible, you’re officially on the registry!
That’s it. No needles. No fuss. Just a few minutes that could change someone’s future.

Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? If you choose one meaningful resolution in 2026, let it be this: Sign up ...
05/01/2026

Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? If you choose one meaningful resolution in 2026, let it be this: Sign up as a stem cell donor.
It only takes a few minutes of your time to fill out a health questionnaire and a simple cheek swab to potentially be the donor match a patient has been waiting for. Your act of kindness could mean a second chance at life.

Start the year with purpose and hope – sign up today and become a donor.
Click here now!: https://sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor/

Hello 2026!This year, we step into a season of hope, healing and second chances – but none of this would be possible wit...
01/01/2026

Hello 2026!
This year, we step into a season of hope, healing and second chances – but none of this would be possible without YOU!

To our donors, supporters and partners, thank you for walking this lifesaving journey with us. May the year ahead bring courage, compassion and countless miracles.

Here’s to saving lives together in 2026

As we welcome a new year, we reflect with immense appreciation on those who made the SABMR’s work possible our donors, p...
31/12/2025

As we welcome a new year, we reflect with immense appreciation on those who made the SABMR’s work possible our donors, partners, funders, supporters and brave patients.

Your trust, generosity and commitment continue to light the way forward. Because of you, lives have been saved, hope has been restored, and countless families have been given precious time with their loved ones. We are reminded daily that we cannot do this alone it is your support that strengthens our mission.

As 2026 begins, we look forward with renewed determination and optimism. Together, we will continue working towards a future where every patient finds the match they need.

Wishing you a healthy, hopeful and inspiring year ahead. Thank you for being part of the SABMR family.

Did you know, you can sign up as a stem cell donor from anywhere? Whether you're lounging next to the pool, catching a t...
29/12/2025

Did you know, you can sign up as a stem cell donor from anywhere? Whether you're lounging next to the pool, catching a tan on the beach or on a staycation, you can register at www.sabmr.co.za anytime, any place.

As we celebrate the festive season, the SABMR extends our deepest gratitude to every donor, partner, funder, supporter a...
25/12/2025

As we celebrate the festive season, the SABMR extends our deepest gratitude to every donor, partner, funder, supporter and patient who has walked this journey with us.

Your dedication, compassion and unwavering willingness to help bring hope to those awaiting a second chance at life. Because of you, patients are one step closer to their miracle and none of this would be possible without your support.

This season, we are reminded of the power of community and the extraordinary impact that kindness can have. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission and for helping us continue the work that changes lives.

From all of us at the SABMR, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace and moments of rest.

Our office will be closing on the 24th of December at 12:00 to give our staff a much-needed break. Our office will re-op...
22/12/2025

Our office will be closing on the 24th of December at 12:00 to give our staff a much-needed break. Our office will re-open on Monday the 5th of January 2026 however, we will have staff on standby to deal with any queries.

We'd like to take a moment to thank each and every staff member for their tireless dedication to the SABMR - we would not be able to do what we do without you!

For many families, the greatest wish on their list isn’t under a tree, it’s a second chance for someone they love.Your ...
19/12/2025

For many families, the greatest wish on their list isn’t under a tree, it’s a second chance for someone they love.

Your financial support helps fund searches for life-saving stem cell donors, giving patients the hope they’re desperately waiting for.

This festive season, your kindness can change the ending of someone’s story.
Give the gift of a second chance at life by donating. https://sabmr.co.za/donate-funds/

Reconciliation Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a nation rooted in compassion and unity.At the SABMR...
16/12/2025

Reconciliation Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a nation rooted in compassion and unity.

At the SABMR, this spirit lives in every stem cell donor who chooses to bridge the gap between fear and hope for a patient in need.

Every match found strengthens the belief that strangers can become lifelines and that together, we can rewrite someone’s future.

Let’s carry the meaning of reconciliation day forward.

Sign up as a donor. Help us bring more South Africans closer to healing and a second chance at life.

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J57, Old Outpatient Building Groote Schuur Hospital Observatory
Cape Town
7925

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 - 16:00
Tuesday 07:30 - 16:00
Wednesday 07:30 - 16:00
Thursday 07:30 - 16:00
Friday 07:30 - 16:00

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