So like a true hero, you did the right thing: you registered to be a donor and put yourself in position to save someone’s life. Now the call has come – time to spring into action, Hero!

Step 1: Register and wait to be contacted

Register to be a bone marrow donor by visiting www.dkmsamericas.org. After a simple cheek swab, your name will be placed on a registry and you’ll wait to be contacted in the event that you’re a match with a patient in need.

Step 2: Take a blood sample and undergo a physical

If a match is found, you’ll be asked to go to a lab where a blood sample will be taken to confirm your tissue type. You’ll also undergo a physical exam to make sure you’re healthy.

Step 3: Find out how you’ll be donating

A short time later, you’ll be asked to donate one of two things: either bone marrow, or PBSCs – Peripheral Blood Stem Cells. Each requires a different procedure.

Step 4: Donate blood marrow

Roughly 30% of donors are asked to donate marrow. In this case, you’ll go to a hospital or donation center where doctors will withdraw liquid marrow from your back. You’ll go home the same day. Your back might ache a bit after, but you should feel fine in a few days.

Step 5: Or prepare for PBSC donation

Roughly 70% of matching donors are asked to donate PBSCs. In this case, you’ll be given protein for 4 or 5 days, which stimulates the stem cells in your marrow to circulate into your blood stream.

Step 6: Donate PBSC

After you’ve received all the protein, you’ll go to a hospital where your blood will be drawn through one arm, pass through a machine to remove the useful cells, and return to your body through your other arm. It takes just a few hours, and you can watch TV the whole time!

Step 7: Congratulate yourself

Congratulate yourself—you just helped save someone’s life! You really are a hero. How many people can say that?