My brother-in-law got me involved with Be the Match recently.  Be the Match is dedicated to matching up patients with available donors.  One of the programs they run in providing bone marrow to patients in need. 

Their Mission Statement:

Every year, thousands of people of all ages are diagnosed with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, sickle cell anemia or other life-threatening diseases. Many of them will die unless they get a bone marrow or cord blood transplant from a matching donor. Seventy percent of people do not have a donor in their family and depend on our Be The Match Registry to find a match to save their life.

I signed up on their site and soon received a kit in the mail.  It included 4 cotton swabs that you wipe your inner cheek with and then send back in the prepaid envelope they provide.  That was it, easy as pie. 

I'm hopeful that I am a match and can selflessly save a life.  If you're interested, please register and do the same.  You never know who's life you may save.

freedigitalphotos.net 

 
Posted by Kerrie La Guardia on 07/16/2012 10:56 AM   Comments (20)   ActiveRain Community in the ActiveRain Channel   be the match  
Originally posted at: Kerrie's Blog: Be the Match
Short URL: http://actvra.in/DY6
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: Cool Stuff
Post is included in group: Almost Anything Goes

20 Comments on Be the Match

JUL
16
587,113 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

No better way to pay it forward Kerrie!
10:59am • #1
Outside Blog

Very nice Kerrie. Very nice. :) God bless you.
11:03am • #2
270,432 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kerrie - what a wonderful, selfless act!  Bless you.  I'm a little nervous about doing that.  Can you provide some personal insights from your brother to encourage us along?  Thanks!
11:18am • #3
379,963 Points 84 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kerrie - what a wonderful thing to do and I'm sure there's a very lucky person out there who life you will save. I'm still waiting to donate my kidney to Barbara (I had no idea she could go on this long with only 20% kidney function) but until she's below 20% she'll reject my kidney and insurance won't cover it! Now that a year has passed, all my tests have expired so I have to take them all again. This time I'm waiting until she's in complete kidney failure and ready for dialysis! I think the tests are worse than donating my kidney, lol! 

You're setting a great example of how we can all save lives and by posting on AR will you will inspire many others to do the same. You are truly an inspiration on so many levels and I'm so proud of you!

11:42am • #4

Hi,
I'm on the registry but I've never had to actually donate it so I'm only going off the information on their website. I think there is a common misconception that the process is really painful which isn't true. Firstly in most cases they can get what they need from your blood (PBSC) so it would be similar to giving blood. Secondly, even if they do need to get the cells from your femur, it's uncomfortable but not painful since they use an anesthetic.

No medical procedure is without risk but I figure the very small risk is worth it if it could save someone's lives.

If you need inspiration watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihGCj5mfCk8

If you're worried about the donation process: http://marrow.org/Join/Myths_and_Facts/Myths___Facts_about_Donation.aspx

If you want to help find a cure, make a donation here:
http://www.crowdrise.com/owainsarmyrides2012/fundraiser/robturner 

Q: What is the donation process like?
A: Adult donors may be asked to donate in one of two ways:

  • Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure in which liquid marrow is withdrawn from the back of the donor's pelvic bones using special, hollow needles. General or regional anesthesia is always used for this procedure, so donors feel no needle injections and no pain during marrow donation. Most donors feel some pain in their lower back for a few days afterwards.
  • Peripheral blood cell (PBSC) donation involves removing a donor's blood through a sterile needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplants. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm.

Thanks,
Rob
Kerrie's Brother In Law
11:47am • #5
698,010 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Well, Miss Kerrie, your brother-in-law made me feel much more comfortable about raising my hand.  I will get this done later today.  Thank you, dear, for bringing this to our attention again!
12:00pm • #6
594,885 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kerrie:  This is such useful information to get the word out about donating the gift of life!
12:06pm • #7
620,796 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You know...I may just do this.  What a wonderful way to pay it forward and possibly save a life Kerrie!  Awesome!
1:38pm • #8
929,600 Points 13 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kerrie,

I think this is a grand gesture of paying it forward like John Mc Cormack stated.  Thanks for bringing attention to this.  A
2:46pm • #9
1,406,468 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I signed a donor box on my drivers license. This is also an idea.  I will check it out.
4:01pm • #10
448,917 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kerrie, I have known several people that needed bone marrow transplants. I had no idea this service was out there. I think I will check into it future and see if with my health issues they would even want me.
5:17pm • #11
1,055,964 Points 287 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kerrie, There was a Be The Match sign up drive at my day job a year or two ago.  Piece o' cake to get registered.  No calls yet, but know the potential is out there.  Bill
6:25pm • #12
408,971 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kerrie,

               I was watching Good Morning America and that is when I learned of this! Good blog, people need to know more about this and we can save many lives!
6:47pm • #13
1,033,137 Points 239 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kerrie- this is the true spirit of our country.. helping out at the grass roots level.  Thanks to your brother-in-law Rob for the explanation.  I have a friend waiting to see who in her family may match her brother who has a rare form of cancer.  
6:54pm • #14
1,120,616 Points 102 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I learned about this a couple of years ago from a fellow Activerainer.  Elizabeth Weintraub introducted me and I signed up.  I would be thrilled if they called.
7:10pm • #15
388,883 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What a sweet life giving idea! I hope it has successful results for you.
7:11pm • #16
JUL
17
862,922 Points 174 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'll have to look into this in more detail.  My father just went in for testing for what is called "pre-leukemia" and it turns out he has it.  I think doing something to help people who have to deal with this could be very rewarding.
5:47am • #17
566,182 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Kerrie, Wow, what a great program and a great way to give a gift to someone that so desperately needs it.
9:11am • #18

I'm so happy to hear that many of you are already signed up!  Way to go 'Rainers!!!

Bryan - I am sorry to hear abut your father.  I wish him well and let me know if you need anything.
9:21am • #19
759,126 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Who knew Kerrie. I will ask my wife about the procedure and then make a decision about signing up. Thanks for the info
1:14pm • #20


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