Be the Match.com

[windinthemaples]

This morning, I completed the process to become a registered donor at the National Bone Marrow Donor's Be the Match registry. In five or six weeks, after they've typed the cheek swabs I sent in, I'll be part of the database that doctors search on behalf of 6,000 patients a day. Patients with leukemia, sickle cell anemia, what-have-you where the donation of healthy bone marrow cells and other blood-products are really the best hope for a cure. I found it crushing to read that presently only about 30% of patients are finding close enough genetic matches in the database.

I hope you'll consider joining, too!

Right now, there are enough funds to cover the costly testing process, so you can sign up and join the registry for free. (They'll send you information and a set of cotton-tipped swabs to play CSI with and send back.) The registry is for anyone, barring certain health concerns, from the age of 18-60 that is willing to donate blood product and/or marrow if your genetic match is in need. (The donation process also looked way simpler than the scary words "bone marrow" would imply.) Sign up once and they'll keep your information in the database until you turn 61 years old. If they ever need you for a specific patient, they'll call.

It feels powerful, throwing myself into the void. I have an unreasonably strong medical phobia, but I still hope that somewhere, sometime, my perfectly unique blend of Swedish/Scottish/Irish/English genes will offer what others could not. It is my Valentine to the rest of the embodied world--a hand outstretched if ever it should be needed.

Comments

[neva-butterfly.livejournal.com]

My friend Susan signed up when she learned how difficult it is for minority patients to find a match. She's Asian, actually 100% Chinese, and apparently Asians living in the US have among the most difficult time finding a match. Lupus rules me out for donation though. I understand the medical phobia aspect of it, but I think if you were matched that knowing someone's life depends on it would be a powerful motivator. But you're very brave to sign up. I do think that worry about the procedure scares a lot of people off.

[sugarmaplelife.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's how I feel, too. If it was harvesting from everyone to put in some cold storage somewhere, that'd feel very different, I think, then getting a call that John, a construction worker in Queens with three children is my match and needs my help to save his life. The medical part is sorta like that saying about speaking your truths even if your voice shakes. I may be shaking like a leaf but I'd sure show up there and do what I could. :)

[willow-cabin.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's really wonderful, Rachel!

[tapati.livejournal.com]

Too bad, with heart disease I am not allowed to donate. :(

[elfinecstasy.livejournal.com]

You. Are. Amazing. And. Wonderful.

[kehleyr.livejournal.com]

That's so sweet of you to do!!