House reauthorizes C.W. Bill Young Transplantation Program

Statement

On what would have been the 85th birthday of the late C.W. Bill Young, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation today to reauthorize the life-saving work of the National Marrow Donor Program.

H.R. 2820, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015, provides for a 5-year reauthorization of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory program, both key components of the national registry.

"This is about saving lives and continuing to give hope to patients searching for that matched stranger who will give them a chance at life," said Congressman David Jolly (FL-13), who helped introduce H.R. 2820.

"Decades ago Bill Young had the vision and tenacity to direct investment in bone marrow and cell transplantation cures for those suffering from critical diseases. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for approving this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Young would no doubt be proud of his legacy and a program that has helped save thousands of lives," Jolly added.

Since 1987, more than 68,000 patients have received the gift of life from a donor on the National Marrow Donor Registry.

A bone marrow or cord blood transplant is a treatment or cure for leukemia, sickle cell anemia and more than 60 other potentially fatal blood disorders.

"It is incredibly timely to reauthorize this life-giving program during this gift-giving time of year" Smith said. "Americans willing to give the gift of life to others are at the heart of the success of this program. In reauthorizing it we are grateful for the adult donors willing to provide bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, as well as mothers who donate their child's cord blood through public cord blood banks," said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4)

"Passage of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act provides hope to the thousands of Americans and their families who suffer from painful and potentially life-threatening blood cancer or other bone marrow disorders," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The "Be a Match' National Registry makes possible life-saving transplants by connecting patients with donors, and funding the services and research needed to eradicate these devastating diseases," added Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-6)

Funding for the programs is included in the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus spending package.

H.R. 2820 now heads to the President's desk.

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