Canada’s Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry has changed its name to "Onematch" in the hope that a simpler monikker will attract more public attention. The national registry has also launched an innovative new method for extracting stem cells from potential bone-marrow donors.

"We wanted to make it as easy as possible," says Angie Gaddy, spokesperson of the Canadian Blood Services. "Simple and painless, and in the comfort of your own home."

As of May, 230,000 people have signed up, added Gaddy.

"There is also a 377 per cent increase in the target demographic, which is ethnic persons under the age of 40."

The registration process is as simple — and painless — as the stem cell procedure. Donors sign up online, provide a swab of their cheek cells and later give blood which is processed to extract stem cells, indicators of a viable bone marrow match.

"There is now a focus on finding young, ethnically diverse donors," says Gaddy. "Out of the 230,000 registered, 85 per cent are Caucasian. Studies show that you will find a higher match of stem cells through your own ethnic group. Studies also show younger donors appear to have a better outcome on patients."

Currently, Onematch is working hard to help Carolyn Tam, 37, a Toronto resident who works in real estate marketing.

Tam is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Her family has put together a website, www.savecarolyn.com, in hopes of encouraging people — particularly in Metro Vancouver’s large Chinese community — to take the fist step in the donation procedure.

"It has all been very effective," says Gaddy. "We have been receiving a tremendous response, especially in Vancouver. This spring, the procedure has been made available all over Canada with the ability to find matches from every province."

The website has created a lot of interest in the community, says Susana Junk, a close friend of Tam’s.

"The only problem is that people are expecting that the donation can be done right away," says Junk. "It takes time. The odds in finding Carolyn an acceptable match in the general population is 1 in 20,000. As of May 16, with all the registries around the world, there is still no match. This is why we need to encourage more people to help out."

In an on-line journal, Tam has kept people updated on her condition with her upbeat blog posts. Her most recent entry, on May 10, reads: "My blood levels are continuing to drop. My energy level is up and down. My hair is starting to fall out. I guess it’s shaving time!"

On a May 6 entry she writes: "Thanks all for your continuing efforts! This group is over 1,000 strong already."

If you are interested in learning more about Tam’s battle with cancer, visit www.savecarolyn.com.