Sunday, August 30, 2009

You Could Save a Life

Some of you may remember that Mom was almost a match for someone needing a bone marrow transplant last November. You can read about it here if you are not familiar with the story. When I found out about this great opportunity to join the bone marrow registry the other day, I knew I had to let everyone know about it.

Did you know that you can get a free test kit from the national bone marrow registry? Yes, free. The kits usually cost at least $50 because the cost of testing the samples is so expensive. I'm not sure who is funding the free kits (personal donation, corporate donation), but there has never been a better time to register as a bone marrow donor.

Simply go to http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html to get your kit. You must answer some questions on the first page in order to meet the registry requirements. You will then have to complete a donor form and on the page where you are asked for a code, enter Mya829. Note: this code is case sensitive. Once you submit the form, your registration will be processed.

You will receive your kit along with a self-addressed return envelope in which to return the samples, in about a week. The kit includes four cotton-tipped swabs (called buccal swabs) with complete instructions on how to use the swabs to take cell samples from the inside of your cheeks. Swab your cheeks and mail the samples back as soon as soon as possible because it can take up to 6 weeks to tissue type.

The is a great program but one that not many people are aware of. So many people are waiting for bone marrow transplants and there simply are not enough donors. The more donors, the more likely a match for those waiting. Not everyone is eligible to join the registry, but if you are eligible, please consider joining. You could save a life, the life of someone you know or the life of a complete stranger. Saving a life could be the most important thing you ever do.

6 comments:

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

Hi Stubby, your mom and you are such nice person and doggy always thinking of others.
Mom says that she got the green car at a store on ebay called discount ramps. with shipping it's about $80.

Stubby said...

Hi Coco! Thanks for the info about the green car. I will have Mom look into it so that I can be just like you.

Stubby xoxo

Archie and Melissa said...

hi stubby!
your mom is amazing and the most generous person.
you both make this world a wonderful place to be!

Kelly said...

Stubby, this is so cool! I did not know about this program and I am heading over to check it out!!

I don't know if you remember a few months ago when Momma posted about Chemo Angels... but our Angel just received a bone marrow transplant and it saved her life!!

xoxo
Pearly

PS I put your picture on my bloggy today. Hope that's ok! :)

Stubby said...

Hi Melissa & Emmitt! You guys are just too nice. Mom teared up over your comment and it really made her day.

We both think that you guys make the world a wonderful place too. Isn't it great to do things for other people?

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pearly Poo! I do remember your post about the Chemo Angels. It's so great to hear that your angel got a bone marrow transplant and that she is going to be okay.

We need to spread the word about the bone marrow registry so that more lives can be saved.

Stubby xoxo

Pee-s: Of course it's okay for you to put my picture on your bloggy.