4000 new marrow donors since Roberts revelation

PHILADELPHIA, PA.; June 11, 2012 And she will likely help the cause for the Bone Marrow Registry with her upcoming bone marrow transplant. Roberts, 51, revealed today she is suffering from MDS, myelodyspastic syndromes, a a group of blood disorders, in which the bone marrow does not create enough healthy red blood cells. It's called "dysplastic" because the red cells are misshapen, and can't carry enough oxygen for the body. The disorder can also affect white blood cells, which fight infection, and platelets, which help blood clot. Later this summer or fall, Roberts will receive a bone marrow transplant from her older sister, Sally Ann. There are 9.5 million people on the Bone Marrow registry, but finding a match for the thousands who need transplants every year can be challenging, due to the vast number of tissue types. Racial and ethnic heritage are very important, because you are most likely to match someone of their own race or ethnicity. Right now, there are relatively few minorities on the registry. More donors are needed who are African American, Asian - including South Asian, Native American or Alaskan native, Hispanic, Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and those of mixed race. 1 in 540 on the registry will go on to donate bone marrow or PBSC (peripheral blood stem cells). To join the registry list, check out BeTheMatch.com. The site features a detailed FAQexplaining the registration and donation process. To learn more about MDS, check out the MDS Foundation. The site has a clearly written handbook, explaining MDS