Nation’s First Stem Cell Collection Center Operated By A Public Marrow Registry To Open In South Florida

The Gift of Life Marrow Registry will become the nation’s first marrow registry to operate its own stem cell collection center, making it easier and faster than ever before for volunteer donors to save the lives of patients battling blood cancer around the world. Located within its new 22,000 square foot headquarters, the center will feature a warm, inviting, spa-like atmosphere focused entirely on the donor’s experience.

 

While typical donor amenities at similar facilities include movie libraries, Gift of Life will also give donors the option to customize their experience and communicate their needs to a dedicated donor concierge. “The new apheresis center will shatter the typical image of a collection facility,” said Jay Feinberg, Gift of Life’s CEO and founder, himself a 24 year transplant survivor. “The goal is to celebrate the donors and make the process more comfortable.”

 

Amenities include access to video games, movies, massages and gourmet meals. There are other benefits as well. By integrating the new collection center into its registry headquarters, Gift of Life will streamline the donor search and procurement process, making the time to transplant for patients in urgent need faster and more efficient. Since so many patients are battling acute diseases, one of their biggest enemies is time. Making this process faster will enable more patients to receive the transplants they need, when they need them. There are also plans for a future biobank that will enable the organization to provide even more services down the line.

 

Gift of Life’s new headquarters and integrated stem-cell collection center will celebrate its official opening on April 30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

Since its start in 1991, Gift of Life has grown its registry to more than 325,000 individuals who have volunteered to donate blood stem cells or marrow to save a life. In the process, Gift of Life has facilitated over 15,000 matches for those with a range of blood cancers, resulting in more than 3,300 transplants.