Sunday, November 8, 2009

Are You a Registered Bone Marrow Donor?

You always think bad things will happen to other people. And there have been an awful lot of bad things happening all over the place lately. When bad things happen to people you know, it becomes very personal.

A friend's husband is very ill. He is going through intensive chemotherapy, and so far, he is holding up pretty well. They have been married for 40 years, and right now they hope he makes it through Christmas. I am just in shock over this whole thing.

The chemo is to hopefully get him into remission until a donor can be found for a bone marrow transplant.

So, are YOU registered with the National Marrow Donor Program? Their Website is www.NMDP.org. The initial test is very easy - they send you a kit and you just swipe the inside of your cheek with a swab and mail the sample back.

I registered many years ago through a program at the Jewish Community Center. They asked for a 'donation' to cover the cost of the test, which at the time was $65. I thought if I could save someone's life by registering, that was a small price to pay.

The larger the bank of prospective donors of varying backgrounds (what part of the world your ancestors called home), the better chance we will all have if the time comes when we, or a friend or loved one, might need to look for a perfect match.

So check it out. Who knows - you could save someone's life.

Thanks.

1 comment:

  1. It is fantastic that you are registered with the Bone Marrow Program. Please make sure your information is up to date with the NMDP, you never know when you may be called upon. Another great program is run through the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) They send free phamphlets and information about the dontation process, and what to expect.

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