I am a passionate person. There are many things that I believe in. I care about people, I believe in hope, and I truly do want to make the world more beautiful. Just like Miss Rumphius
If you have not read "Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney, I insist that you do so. It is a beautiful children's book. Pick up a hard copy, or enjoy the audiobook here: Miss Rumphius Audio Book
I have big dreams about how I will make the world more beautiful one day (ask me about this at your own risk - I will probably tell you about it for at least half an hour).
In the mean time, there are small things that each of us can do to make a big difference.
Like join the National Marrow Donor Program, via Be The Match.
This is a cause that is near and dear to our family's heart, because Ian was the recipient of a stem cell transplant that saved his life. His transplant ended up being autologous (he used his own stem cells), but there was a possibility that he may have needed a donor. So many people suffering from blood and lymphatic cancers need donors.
Are you interested yet? Let me lay it out for you:
- If you were chosen as a donor, you would literally save the life of another person.
- To sign up, you go online, give them your contact info, and they send you a kit. You swab the inside of your mouth with a cotton swab and return it to them.
- If you are chosen as a donor, you will donate in one of two ways: You will be hooked up to a machine that will takes your blood, extracts the stem cells via centrifuge (basically), and then returns your blood to you in a closed-loop system. The other option is that they would take bone marrow from your hip bones. This would be painful, and you may need about a week to recover, but let's put it in perspective: The person who needs your marrow has been fighting cancer for months, dealing with awful side effects like nausea, pain, mouth sores, and more stuff that you don't want to know about it. I think you can handle one little procedure to SAVE THEIR LIFE.
By now you must be thinking one of two things:
- Yes! I am already on that list!
- How have I not heard of this before? I must go to http://bethematch.org/Home.aspx right away and register!
Lastly, I will share this, a real-life story of a woman who needs a donor.
This will link you to the news story, with text and video.
Superman Sam is 7 years old, and he is undergoing treatment for Leukemia in Wisconsin. He needs a donor too.
Be The Match Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BeTheMatch?fref=ts
Share this with everyone you know, please. We really can make a difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment