Clark/John,
Here is some additional information from Be the Match. Again, the age issue is related to cost. HLA typing is expensive. Therefore, they would like to encourage younger donors to be in the registry so it is cost effective i.e the younger you are the more of a chance of being selected. Anyone who is already in the registry has had their preliminary HLA typing completed so they keep asking you update your information in case you do match someone. There are over 20 million people in the National Marrow Donor Program from all over the world.
http://bethematch.org/Transplant-Basics/Matching-patients-with-donors/Why-donor-age-matters/Age and cost to join
We are committed to providing the best possible outcome for patients. We encourage people between the ages of 18 and 44 to join Be The Match Registry®online or at a community donor drive for free. People between the ages of 18 and 44 are selected as a donor by physicians over 90% of the time.
Those between the ages of 45 and 60 who want to join Be The Match Registry® are welcome to do so, but must join through our online registration process. You will be required to make a $100 payment at the end of the online process to cover the cost to join.
How old do you have to be to donate bone marrow?
A person must be at least 18 to donate because donation is a medical procedure and the person must be able to give legal informed consent. Also, because it’s a voluntary procedure a guardian or parent can’t sign a release or give consent for someone under age 18.
What is the cut off age for being an adult marrow donor?
Everyone on Be The Match Registry is critical to saving lives. Once you become a registry member, you are listed on the registry until the age of 61, unless you request to be removed from the registry before then. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who meets health guidelines and is willing to donate to any patient in need is able to join the registry.
As we age, the chances of a complication resulting from any medical procedure increases. People over age 60 are at a slightly increased risk of complications during and after donation. People over age 60 may not join the registry. Age guidelines are in place to protect the health of potential donors and to provide the best possible treatment for patients. The age limit is not meant to discriminate in any way.
There are other ways to be the cure. Learn how you can get involved with Be The Match®.