The Yale community rallied for the 18th annual Mandi Schwartz Marrow Donor Registration Drive, adding 684 potential life-saving donors to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry. This drive honors former Yale hockey player Mandi Schwartz and is part of the broader "Get in the Game" initiative. Over the years, Yale's outreach has successfully registered over 9,000 potential donors and facilitated at least 117 life-saving matches, making it a leader among participating schools nationwide.

By the Numbers
  • 684 new donors added in 2026 drive.
  • More than 9,000 total potential donors registered since the drive's inception.
  • 117 life-saving matches made through Yale's registration efforts.
State of Play
  • This year's drive is reported to be the largest "Get in the Game" drive nationwide in 2026.
  • Multiple Yale athletic teams participated, enhancing community involvement and awareness.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Yale will continue to host registration drives annually, aiming to increase donor participation and save more lives. The growing enthusiasm from students and athletic teams suggests potential for even greater contributions in the future.

Bottom Line

The Mandi Schwartz Marrow Donor Registration Drive exemplifies the impactful role of community engagement in health initiatives, significantly contributing to the NMDP while honoring a beloved athlete. The active participation of Yale's teams and community points towards a sustained commitment to saving lives through marrow donation.