Inside our bones is a soft, spongy tissue called bone marrow. It is the "factory" that makes blood cells. Bone marrow contains special cells called stem cells. These blood-forming stem cells grow and mature into the three types of blood cells:
- Red blood cells which carry oxygen to tissues and organs
- White blood cells which help fight disease and infections
- Platelets which help blood clot to stop bleeding
If the bone marrow "factory" breaks down and fails to keep up with the body's needs for the production of healthy blood cells, the result is called bone marrow failure. Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) are bone marrow failure diseases.
In this section, you'll find information about blood and bone marrow basics. You will also find information about aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH in multiple forms and formats including written descriptions, video presentations, interviews with experts and much more. Also, you will find an array of information on "living well" with bone marrow failure disease.
We trust that you will find this information helpful, but we know that these diseases are often confusing, complex and raise many questions for patients, their caregivers and families. Please be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns. It is our goal to provide you with answers, support and hope.