Appeal for a bone marrow donor.

[paineinthearse]

I met the person organizing the match drive at the Duval Patrick speech last night (see seperate post). If you can help, contact the person at the end of this message. Thank you.

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Saving Lives: Bone Marrow Transplants
He who saves one life, it is as if he saved the world. -Talmud

Eight year old Aileen has been suffering from aplastic anemia for the past four years and is currently living off blood transfusions. A bone marrow transplant may be all Aileen needs to live a normal childhood. There are only about 4.5 million people (about 1% of the country's population) on the national bone marrow registry making finding a match for Aileen and others who suffer from life threatening illnesses extremely difficult. You can help!! On the Tuesday the 26th of April there will be a bone marrow drive held at Newton South High School facilitated by Dana Farber. Making a difference will only take a few minutes of your time and a small vial of blood that will be drawn by a Dana Farber phlebotomist. (You must be between the ages of 18 & 60 and in generally good health).

Where: Newton South High School auditorium

When: April 26th from 8am to 1pm and from 2:30pm to 6pm.

Why: More than 35,000 people in the U.S are diagnosed each year with leukemia, anemias, myelodysplastic disorders and 70 other life threatening diseases that require treatment with bone marrow transplants. Nearly 70% of these patients must rely on an unrelated donor to offer them the precious gift of life.

How do I sign up? Please contact me by e-mail or phone to sign up. There are time slots available every 15 minutes. I can be reached at: 617-731-1562 or [e-mail]

[dddem]

1. I've been in the registry for a few years now.

Every so often they send a newsletter that lets you update your information, including your decision. I've never been contacted as a donor, but if I were, cool.

I've been told that it's a little uncomfortable, but here's the catch - a few days off from work, some good legal drugs, and you might save a life - it's all good!

Initially, they only draw a little blood - it's quicker and easier than donating blood. And this is a good way to get on the registry - if you call on your own, the test will cost you a few bucks. This way - it's free. Go for it!