chomz14

February 14th, 2017 at 8:26 AM ^

Amazing story indeed! Think we tend to overlook these stories on this site. The post above about a kid transferring to a new high school will get double the looks and replies, but this post is one that I'll remember reading years from now.

ZooWolverine

February 14th, 2017 at 5:38 PM ^

You should join the national marrow registry! If you're between the ages of 18 and 44, you may be able to give that miracle gift, too.

Unlike donating blood, matching bone marrow is done on several markers, and despite the millions of donors on the registry, there are still patients who will not match anyone or will not have a very good match. So, sign up! You will probably never get called in to donate (something like 1 in 500 odds), but if you are, you may be that patient's only chance at survival. It's quick and easy, answer a few screening questions and you'll be mailed a small kit with a cotton swab. Swab the inside of your cheeks and send it back--unless you can save someone's life, all you'll need to do is confirm each year that your contact information is correct, your health still meets the criteria, and that you're still willing to consider donating marrow if called upon.

 

Go to http://BeTheMatch.org/join to start

When a friend was diagnosed with AML, he received a bone marrow transplant from a complete and total stranger. Although my friend lost his fight, I am forever thankful to that anonymous stranger, and for the he gave.

At around that time, I joined the national registry, and had always hoped I'd be able to honor his life by giving to someone else. Almost exactly a year ago, I had that opportunity. A lot of donations, like mine, are now stem cell donations--relatively easy, just a few shots during the week, some back pain that's typically not too bad, and then a process like donating platelets where blood goes out one arm, through a fancy machine, and back in the next. My recipient made it almost a year post-donation, but unfortunately did not survive either. I know the benefit of receiving that donation for my friend, and I know the hope I must have provided this woman as well. And, through my friend, I've met a variety of people who are alive today because someone was willing to donate their marrow to help another in need.