How your unique Hawaiian ancestry can save a life

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Blood cancers and disorders can affect anyone, and while many can be cured or treated by a blood stem cell transplant, people of Hawaiian ancestry often face increased difficulty in finding a donor. But with more Native Hawaiian peripheral blood stem cell or bone marrow donors on the registry, patients of Hawaiian descent could be closer to finding a cure for their life-threatening illness.

Patients in need of cell therapy can’t receive blood stem cells from just any donor. Their immune system uses genes called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) to recognize which cells are part of their body and which are foreign and may need to be attacked. That means patients need to find a blood stem cell donor with closely matching HLAs to increase the odds of a successful transplant.

HLAs are inherited, half from each biological parent, so patients are more likely to match a donor with similar ancestry. However, the odds of finding a match are much lower for patients whose ethnic background is underrepresented on the NMDP Registry℠, like Hawaiians. Because of your special ancestry, your PBSC or bone marrow donation could be the key to a cure for Hawaiian patients in need.

Even when a patient and donor share the same ancestry, there isn’t always an exact HLA match. However, our Donor for All initiative is giving new hope to patients who need a life-saving blood stem cell transplant but don’t have a fully matched donor. Donor for All aims to unlock access to transplant through innovative research using partially matched donors. This will significantly expand options for suitable donors while keeping outcomes in line with using a fully matched donor.

Donors can give blood stem cells locally in Hawaii, eliminating the need to travel to the mainland. Additionally, fundraising efforts help support patients in need. Whether through blood stem cell donation or fundraising, you can make a meaningful impact.

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children

Address: 1319 Punahou St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

Phone: 1 (808) 983-6000

The Hapalua—Hawaii’s Half Marathon

When? Sunday, April 13, 2025

Where? By the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii

Details: The Hapalua—Hawaii’s Half Marathon starts in Waikiki and ends 13.1 miles later in Kapiolani Park. There are no qualifications to enter, and everyone is welcome to participate.

You probably have a few questions about what it takes to save a life. We get it; we’d have them too. Let’s talk about what you’ve heard and what’s really involved with donating bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells as a member of the Hawaiian community.

Patients have teams of medical staff and supporters to help them through the transplant process, yet the most critical part is finding a matching, available donor. Your Hawaiian ancestry could be the missing piece to someone’s cure.