Bone Marrow Donation
“Donating your marrow to save a life without harming yourself”
The sight of patients suffering from blood diseases is unbearable for Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Therefore, after confirming that bone marrow transfer can save lives without harming the donor, the Master started the Tzu Chi Marrow Donor Registry in 1993, which was renamed in 2002 to The Buddhist Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Stem Cell Centre. On top of its original marrow data bank functions, this institution has evolved to include ongoing stem cell research and gene therapy, as well as the establishment of an umbilical cord blood repository, all of which serve to usher in new hopes in human medical treatments. Through all out campaigns and enthusiastic participations by Tzu Chi volunteers, many kind hearted people have been motivated into taking the blood tests required for marrow matching. In every single case, the volunteers were there to encourage and support the donor, and their efforts demonstrate the intricate levels of compassion present. The contributions of Great Love from the generous marrow donors are a Great Love pure and pristine. It is a “love pure like clear water”.