Description: A bone marrow transplant can be a lifesaver for someone with leukemia or other diseases of the blood. According to the National Marrow Donor Program, the donor is anesthetized, and a needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. Then, many donors receive a transfusion of their own previously donated blood. Within about six weeks, the donor's body has completely replenished the marrow that was donated.