Dodd Honored by National Marrow Donor Program

Press Release

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today received the Lifeline Award from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for his leadership in the field of cord blood, bone marrow, and peripheral blood stem cell policy. Dodd was specifically recognized for his work to support full funding of the National Cord Blood Inventory and the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program.

"Bone marrow and cord blood therapies have the potential to fight disease, ease pain, and even save the lives of those with debilitating illnesses such as leukemia and Hodgkin's disease," said Dodd. Knowing the potential that bone marrow and cord blood treatments have to revolutionize the field of medicine, I have been proud to fight for increased funding for federal programs that support these therapies. The National Marrow Donor Program works tirelessly on behalf of so many in need--and it has been a privilege and an honor to stand with them."

Throughout his career, Dodd has fought for funding for cord blood, bone marrow and stem cell programs. In 2005, Dodd, along with Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), authored the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, which was signed into law by President Bush. The law increased access to the use of bone marrow and cord blood treatments by creating the Cell Transplantation Program connecting patients and donors and expanding the availability and use of cord blood. It also authorized $60 million over four years for the expansion of the cord blood inventory and $186 million over five years for the creation and operation of the Cell Transplantation Program.

The NMDP provides a single point of access through the National Registry to more than 7 million volunteer marrow donors and nearly 90,000 cord blood units. It also operates the C.W. Bill Young Cellular Transplantation Program, which is the successor to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

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