Be The Match
Did you know that every year, 10,000 patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases need a marrow transplant from an unrelated donor, but only half receive one. HALF people! And did you know bone marrow is one of the toughest matches to make among humans today?
I never knew the seriousness of bone marrow transplants until I reconnected with a dear friend from high school, Nadja. Nadja is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Be The Match in College Station, TX and opened my eyes to the severity of blood disorders. I had heard of people needing bone marrow transplants (mostly on the news, movies, etc) but never knew it was such a big deal. I am honored to say that I am now in the bone marrow registry and praying wildly about becoming a match. Isn't it crazy that someone could be in the registry for 40 years and still never be a perfect match for a candidate? This is why YOU need to become a member of the registry! I was so antsy to get swabbed just thinking...what if I am a match for someone who has been waiting their whole lives?
You may remember seeing this picture from our House Hunters watch party. I had Nadja bring a ton of swab kits and I think she collected 22 samples!! Praying someone is a match someday.
It was honestly the easiest thing ever. Swab your mouth, sign some papers, save a life. Now there are a lot of misconceptions about how exactly the transplant works and be sure to check out the Be The Match Website for more information. In most cases, donors can simply have their marrow drawn like a normal blood draw, so don't be scared. YOU can save a life!
I am talking about Be The Match today because tomorrow I am driving to the town of my alma mater (Texas A&M in College Station) to teach a portion of a Zumba-thon benefitting Be The Match! If you are an Aggie or live in the area, I'd love to have you! Come shake your money maker for a fabulous cause!
Let me know if you have any questions. And have a great weekend friends. Go save a life while you're at it :-)
11 comments:
I loved this! I've been in the registry since for three years now and still pray I'm someone's match. If I where anywhere near Texas and anywhere near A&M I'd definitely be there. I'll just have to settle with being there in spirit.
I registered 9 years ago! Hoping some day, I can help someone.
Also, thanks for this. Because of your blog post, I went onto the site and updated my information {new address and phone number} for myself and my husband. Thank you!!
I should probably do this. Thanks for all the information :) So awesome you want to make a difference in the lives of perfect strangers. Xo
This is crazy that you post about this because just last night, one of the guys in my small group is going to be a marrow donor only after one month on the list!! Isn't that amazing?! Now that I'm seeing this again, I think it's a sign I should join.
Such a great cause! My brother had leukemia, so I understand how important it is.
great to know about it. definitely going to look into it - thanks for sharing!
Ruthie, this is dear to my heart. One of my childhood friends is a survivor of leukemia. She fought this nasty disease and won! You're heart is so BIG and powerful! And be safe driving and have fun shaking your money maker! ;)
The football team at my school does a huge program for Be The Match every year, and our quarterback a few years ago was even a donor. I would love to be a match for someone because it is truly the best gift you could possibly give!
This is so awesome. Anytime friends get together to celebrate other friends and help others is a gift all year.
Because of you, I just registered. Thank you.
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