DMC for DKMS

"What makes you different makes you special," DMC.

Darryl McDaniels, or "DMC" as most of the world knows him, has moved many people through his music. Now he hopes to move you with his plea to minority groups about the urgent need for more donors from Hispanic, American Indian, African American, Asian multi-ethnic and multi-racial backgrounds.

At any given time, there are about 3,000 patients searching for a donor. Sadly, one in four patients never find a match. And for minority groups, the chances of finding a match are even less because people are most likely to find a match from someone of their own ethnic background.

Consider the numbers and the need becomes apparent. According to the NMDP, minorities are vastly under-represented in the registry: Caucasions represent 68%; Hispanics represent 10%; African Americans represent 10%; Asians represent 8%; and American Indians represent 2%.

As a spokesman for DKMS, DMC is working to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to volunteer as donors and save the lives of more minorities with leukemia who would otherwise have little chance of finding a matching donor. You can help, find out how.

More on DMC: DMC first made his start in the music business as one third of the groundbreaking rap group Run-DMC. He has been in the public eye for the past 20 years, since forming the now legendary, defunct group, Run-DMC with Joseph (Rev. Run) Simmons and the late, Jason (Jam Master Jay) Mizell.

A founding member of this multi-platinum music group, selling over 30 million singles and albums worldwide, it would be hard to overstate his influence on popular culture. He helped transform Rap and Hip Hop into some of the most popular music in the world. Run-DMC were the first rappers to earn a gold album, the first to earn a platinum album, the first to go multi-platinum, the first to have their videos played on MTV, the first to appear on American Bandstand and Saturday Night Live, and the first rap band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone and Spin.

DMC recently added another first to his life - his first book "King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility and My Life with Run-DMC" has received rave reviews nationwide. In the book, he tells of his rise within the music business and the importance of respect and responsibility in today's society.

In addition to the new book, DMC is currently putting the finishing touches on his own musical project, Checks, Thugs Rock N Roll is scheduled to be released later this year. Watch for the first single, Just Like Me, featuring Sarah McLachlan.

About DKMS...
DKMS represents patients, donors, doctors, volunteers, families and friends.

We connect the missing pieces, creating a forum where people can come together with one common goal. With a little courage, commitment and generosity, together we can find answers and help provide happy endings for patients fighting leukemia and other blood diseases.

Visit DKMSAmericas.org to learn more.