In Canada, there are currently over 1000 people waiting for a stem cell match. This is why Canadian Blood Services is urging Canadians to add their name to the Stem Cell registry, as it increases those individuals chance of finding a match.

Aaron Barlow, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services Saskatchewan, explains they're looking for people ages 17 to 35 to join the registry, especially those with diverse ethnic backgrounds.

“Right now the registry doesn't really reflect how diverse Canada is. You have a higher likelihood of being matched by somebody who shares a similar ancestrally diverse background as your own.”

Those on the registry are automatically removed after turning 60. However, unlike the donation of other blood products, stem cells are only collected once

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