Gift of Life
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your marrow.
Several of the kids in my cancer community have required bone marrow transplants as part of their treatment. In their honor, I have registered to become a donor. You wouldn't believe how easy it is! For a limited time, as part of a "Thanks Mom" campaign, the registration is free. That's right, I said free. BUT JUST THROUGH TODAY!!!!!! Just go to marrow.org and click on the "learn more" button to register online. They'll send you a tissue typing kit. (Don't panic, the tissue typing just involves swabbing the inside of your cheek.)
Even if you don't have a chance to register for free today, you can register anytime online or at a donor drive for a $52 fee. That seems like a nice chunk of change to spend on a registration but it's not like you're signing up for the latte of the month club. This is to save a life.
Okay, now you're probably wondering what is involved in the actual bone marrow transplant. I won't do it justice so read the details on the website. But it isn't as invasive as you might think. You are sedated while they extract the marrow from the back of your pelvic bone through a hollow surgical needle. (Yep, needles are involved, no getting around that.) The whole thing only lasts about an hour and afterward you're sore for a couple of days. All medical costs are covered by the patient. The only cost to you is the registration fee and time off of work.
Let me tell you, I've met these kids and a bone marrow donation is a small price to pay. They go through so much more on the road to a long, healthy life. For them, needles are a daily experience. If they can do it, we can too.
Enough guilt, just register already.
3 comments:
Just so you know people listen when you write. We have not met but I have a 9 yr old with Leukemia(ALL)her name is Kennedy and we have spent more time then I would have enjoyed at Doernbecher, which is where I met Baby Lexi and her mom Robyn. I have enjoyed reading your blogg so so much. More then I could ever express in writing. You just seem to say everything just right. Kennedy won't need a Bone Marrow Transplant but I have always wanted to register so I DID IT! And now I think I will call a couple of friends and give them the info. Thank You for including everyone in your journey. Lillian was a beautiful little girl and very lucky to have you as her mommy! Chrissy Amundson
Lori,
Thanks for writing this. Being the health care professional I am I feel I am always asking people to do these types of things. It is nice to have someone else asking for once! I actually got on the list when I turned 18, but always promote it to all who listen. It is great that it is free today! It was not free when I did it, but it is a small price to pay if you can ever help someone. Thanks again for the posting, a few less people for me to preach to :) Beth
Thank you for all the information. Unfortunately, i read this on Tuesday, so I cant regester free. But I plan to do it when I can. I didnt realize there are so many people out there who need this. Thank you again!
Joey
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