Darryl McDaniels

"What makes you different makes you special" - DMC

Darryl McDaniels, or "DMC" as most of the world knows him, has moved many people through his music. Now he hopes to move you with his plea to minority groups about the urgent need for more donors from Hispanic, American Indian, African American, Asian, multi-ethnic and multi-racial backgrounds.

At any given time, there are about 6,000 patients searching for a donor. Sadly, 2 out of 10 patients find their life-saving match. And for minority groups, the chances of finding a match are even smaller because people are most likely to find a match from someone of their own ethnic background.

Consider the numbers and the need becomes apparent. According to the NMDP, minorities are vastly under-represented in the registry: Hispanics represent 10%; African Americans represent 8%; Asians represent less than 7%; and American Indians represent 2%.

As a spokesman for DKMS, DMC is working to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to volunteer as donors and save the lives of more minorities with leukemia who would otherwise have little chance of finding a matching donor.

Be a part of the change. Learn how you can help.

Learn more about what DMC is up to at the official website for DMC.