Home » Healthy Living » Medicine & Health Science » Diseases, Disorders and Conditions

Bone Marrow Donor

Ranked #3,795 in Healthy Living, #68,671 overall | Donates to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Give the Gift of Life - Be A Bone Marrow Donor

When I recently published an article about all of the lives Henrietta Lacks has helped save, I asked my readers this question:

If you knew you could save a life through the donation of your cells, would you choose to do so?

Nearly everyone, including myself, said yes. So how do we turn that desire to make a true difference into a living, breathing gift of life?

My commitment in 2012 and beyond is to give something that will outlast me — to do something that matters in the bigger picture. Action, as we all know, speaks louder than words. Today my yes, in the form of a simple act, is being carried forward as hope. I am sharing this journey to encourage each of you to consider giving what could turn out to be the most important gift of your life.

Photo Credit: One sick little girl undergoing chemo for Leukemia.
Image used with permission. ©daizymaizy2002

Did you know?

10,000 lives are at stake. Of these individuals waiting for a bone marrow match, only half will receive the needed transplant.


Source: Be The Match

I want to be a part of increasing the odds for these individuals. How about you?

Be the Perfect 10

This could be the perfect performance of your life.
Loading

Where to Begin

My decision to join the Be The Match bone marrow donor registry was stimulated when I learned here on Squidoo that a dear friend of Seth Godin's, Amit Gupta, had been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia and was in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Though I will not be the match Amit needs (South Asian ethnicity is key here), I decided to become a member of the registry to potentially help another individual with a life-threatening disease such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, or Aplastic Anemia. Amit's odds are 1 in 20,000 of finding a marrow match. It is essential that we encourage individuals of all ethnicities to join the marrow donation program. My first step was to visit the Be The Match website to learn more about joining the marrow donor registry.

Join the marrow donor registry today.
Time is of the essence for those awaiting a transplant.


Join Here: Donor Membership

Priceless

No Greater Love

Rachell had to wait over five years for a match. Thankfully, Jefferson became a registered donor in time to save her life.
Loading

Am I a good fit to donate marrow?

In order to determine if I could perhaps be the match for someone needing a bone marrow or blood stem cell donation, I completed a confidential health survey on the Be The Match site. This initial assessment takes only a few minutes, but is a critical first step. I discovered that I did meet all of the criteria to proceed to the next step of the process.

You may be wondering about the health requirements to be a donor. I am providing a link to a more in-depth list of criteria. Here are some of the medical guidelines.

Will you be the one to save a life?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Actions Taken

Step 3 - Diary of a Potential Donor

December 8, 2011

Today I completed the tissue sample process that will enable the bone marrow registry to test and type my tissue. Collecting my cells was a simple and painless procedure that took less than five minutes.

I was sent a kit in the mail that contained four cotton swabs and instructions for collecting buccal (pronounced buckle) cells from the inside of my cheeks. Now my sample is on its way back to St. Paul, Minnesota. I'm told it can take up to two months for the lab work and registration of my tissue type.



February 2, 2012

I received an email tonight confirming that all of the testing and processing is now complete. I am actively in the registry's search engine that allows those seeking a donor to find my tissue profile. I have learned that the odds of going on to donate are about 1 in 540.

Of Special Need

Donors between the ages of 18 and 44 are especially needed right now.

February 17, 2012

I received an email asking for support in encouraging young people to join the marrow registry. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 are ten times more likely to be called as a match. Follow this link to learn why age is a factor in donating cells.

This Could Be You

Loading

What makes a good match?

Bone marrow transplants require a much closer match than other transplants (such as a kidney). A good match largely comes down to having a tissue type that won't be rejected by the immune system of the individual receiving your donation. As my initial tissue sample is being typed, it is the pattern of antigens (Human Leukocyte Antigens) that is being determined. The closer my HLA pattern is to that of the individual needing the transplant, the better the odds of transplant success.

For more details about the match process, click here.

What It's All About

A Second Chance

The story of Mitch (survivor) and Barb (life-saver).
Loading

Myths and Facts

Bone Marrow Donation

  • 1Myth: I can't afford to donate my marrow or blood cells.
    Fact: A donor's expenses are covered.
  • 2Myth: All donations require surgery.
    Fact: Many donations involve only a blood stem cell exchange.
  • 3Myth: Blood marrow donations are incredibly painful.
    Fact: Most donors experience only minor discomfort that disappears quickly.
  • 4Myth: There are already plenty of donors.
    Fact: The more donors, the greater the chance of finding the right match.
  • 5Myth: A family member will be available to donate marrow.
    Fact: It is often a total stranger who saves the life of a patient.
  • 6Myth: Donating is risky and creates a danger to the donor.
    Fact: You won't be accepted as a donor if you are at risk.
  • 7Myth: I don't think I have the courage to donate marrow or blood cells.
    Fact: You are stronger than you think. You can do this.

What Happens Next

If I am the best match for a patient, these are the next steps.
Loading

So Many Ways to Give

Not everyone can donate bone marrow, but everyone has a gift to be offered. Help get the word out. Tell others of the need and encourage them to get involved in saving lives. If you or a loved one were in need of a marrow or stem cell donation, wouldn't you want someone to step up and give the gift of life?

Share It

Please help me get the word out about this great need for donors. I deeply appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your network of friends, family, and associates. Thank you!

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

One More Way to Make a Difference

Support Children With Cancer

For several years now, I have supported the Children's Art Project at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This is one simple way to bring joy into the life of a child fighting cancer. By purchasing an inexpensive product featuring exquisite children's art — I purchase my greeting cards here — you are investing in a child's respite from fear or pain. This link will take you to the Children's Art Project website.
Loading

International Donor Registration

I have been asked by some of my international readers about bone marrow donor registration in other countries. To assist you in your search for donation registries outside of the United States, I will continue to add links as I find them.

One Match Registry for Canadians

British Bone Marrow Registry

World Marrow Donor Association

Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide

International Registry

Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

More Featured Articles On Marrow Donation

Loading

Angels Among Us

I am incredibly grateful for all who support this mission.
Every blessing is deeply appreciated. Thank you!

WildFacesGallery
Chazz
Timewarp
Waxing-Lyrical
Koupie
VickiSims
Tipi
HSSchulte
GonnaFly
LoKackl
sukkran
kathysart
Ruthi
resabi
AnthonyAltorenna
bdkz
KathyMcGraw
Graceonline
Othercat
kimmanleyort
Ladymermaid
TheLifestyleChanger

Someone Who Saved Millions Of Lives

Loading

Your Thoughts About Being A Donor

Have you or a loved one been touched by a disease requiring the donation of bone marrow or blood stem cells (or another organ)? What do you think about the possibility of saving someone's life?

  • TheLifestyleChanger Feb 28, 2012 @ 9:29 pm | delete
    Blessed! Thank you for raising awareness.
  • raphaelo Feb 22, 2012 @ 5:27 am | delete
    So wonderful lens with your beautiful heart.. my dear friend :) I'm honored and so proud to visit here. Blessing to you and yours. Have wonderful times.. always :D
  • kimmanleyort Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:10 am | delete
    What an excellent lens! I have been on the registry for many years now. It's one way to give back for your own good health. Thank you!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:28 am | delete
    It is always such an encouragement to learn of others who have joined the registry. Thank you for offering the gift of life... the gift of you. You are a blessing.
  • mizzburdette Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:45 pm | delete
    SO SAD AND SWEET AND THE SAME TIME :) BLESS YOUR HEART!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:31 am | delete
    It can be very bittersweet, you are right about that. May we each be the one who seeks to help turn that sadness into hope... into life.
  • Iain84 Jan 11, 2012 @ 5:24 pm | delete
    great article. i'm a register bone marrow donor myself and received a letter after TEN YEARS telling me im a potential match for someone. i've had a series of tests for blood and tissue type so now just waiting on the results which should be anytime soon!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jan 11, 2012 @ 6:22 pm | delete
    What an encouragement you are. I can only imagine how you are bringing great hope to this individual who has found a potential match in you. Please keep us posted as you learn the final results. Thank you!
  • alwaysjules Jan 9, 2012 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    Happy New Year! Congratulations on your lens being chosen as a top 100 Community Favorite for 2011! What an important and informative article.
  • Graceonline Jan 6, 2012 @ 11:23 am | delete
    Your page totally altered my view about bone marrow donation. I have been under the impression for 20 years or more that bone marrow donation was a life threatening surgical procedure for both participants with only a 50 percent chance of success or less. Clearly, science has come a long way! Thank you so much for this. You have provided a tremendous service. I'll tweet, FB, Google+, etc.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jan 6, 2012 @ 11:30 am | delete
    I am very thankful that you will help get the word out about this vital need. If we can save even one life, the power of Squidoo and the power of the Internet would have been used in the highest way. I appreciate you!
  • Papier Jan 1, 2012 @ 11:52 pm | delete
    It's such an act of selflessness, and the benefits to the donor are so high, I am impressed by everyone who takes part.
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 1, 2012 @ 10:23 pm | delete
    Anytime I read about others truly helping others my heart swells with gratitude. Gratitude that there are caring people in this world. Thank you for being one of them. I had a friend die from Leukemia, and my mother has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
    There is so much need for blood donors, organ donations, and as you say bone marrow too. Blessing this page as a Squid Angel, but blessing you as a person for sharing this!
  • Auntiekatkat Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    Congrats on being nominated for Community Favorite Lenses of 2011. A wonderful lens. Fortunately we both share one thing it was easier to vote than for most as mine was my "why-I-am a- vegetarian was nominated as well. A proud moment for all of us. Good luck in the voting.
  • YayasHome Dec 31, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    This is an amazing topic. Thank you for dispelling so many of the myths I had 'bout bone marrow transplants. You have truly helped enlighten me to the facts. Thanks.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Dec 31, 2011 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    I am always touched by your wonderful and sensitive lenses on important topics, and for showing us how we can all make a positive impact. Well done, and congrats on making the top 100 community favorites.
  • Ladymermaid Dec 31, 2011 @ 4:40 pm | delete
    My heart aches for those who must suffer from cancer. It is an illness that has no mercy. Because I suffer from a very rare illness with a distinct antibody from it in my blood I am not even able to donate blood or my bone marrow. I applaud all those who are able to and who do. Wishing you the most wonderful New Year.
  • JoyfulReviewer Dec 31, 2011 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    Thanks for this wonderfully informative lens about a great cause! And congratulations on being one of the final 100 favorite Squidoo lenses of 2011!
  • MCB2011 Dec 31, 2011 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    This lens reveals a great need. Thank you
  • iPadGeek Dec 31, 2011 @ 2:17 am | delete
    Superb lens! Absolutely worthy of being nominated to the top 100. Kudos on your cause.
  • OhMe Dec 30, 2011 @ 2:48 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens and very informative. Congrats on being in the Top 100 Community Favorites. This page is surely making a difference!
  • Ruthi Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:53 am | delete
    I have returned with a Blessing and a bit o' sunshine! Again, thank you for a breath of hope for others.
  • kathysart Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:50 am | delete
    Beautiful cause and lens.. thank you! Thumbs up angel blessed
  • whats4dinner Dec 29, 2011 @ 7:43 pm | delete
    Great lens! thanks for creating this awareness, to let us know that we can play our part in saving a life.
  • skiesgreen Dec 29, 2011 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    Returned to say how this lens is now featured here End Funeral Stress and Recycle Your Body, which I was led to do after reading it, Hugs
  • skiesgreen Dec 29, 2011 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    Great lens and nicely worded commentary. While I am not on the bone marrow list I have signed the donor organ program. Hugs for this.
  • Momsbusy247 Dec 28, 2011 @ 10:48 pm | delete
    Very touching lens! We were blessed with life and the ability to save another life is the least we can do to show our thanks for such a wonderful gift. *Blessed*
  • Ruthi Dec 24, 2011 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    I think you are awesome for creating this informational page and plea for giving the gift of life by becoming a bone marrow donor. I may not qualify (good grief, will soon be too old) but I will make the attempt to find out. Thank you for bringing this need to the forefront during the season of giving. Thank you for making a difference.
  • sukkran Dec 18, 2011 @ 5:53 am | delete
    i was so moved reading this lens.. it is amazing when you are able to save some ones life that is in dire need. ~blessed~
  • GonnaFly Dec 17, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete
    "I'm too busy" doesn't seem to be a really good excuse either, does it. Thanks for this inspiring lens. When my teenage daughter had cancer she never needed a blood or bone marrow donation, but she was tested regularly to check on her progress.
  • Tipi Dec 14, 2011 @ 11:54 am | delete
    The possibility of saving someone's life....here's a song that will touch your heart as this angel sprinkles a little more dust here......I heard it years ago and can't find the who or what of it, so here is my memory....
    If you found a mountain of gold, would you keep it to yourself?
    Singing glory hallelujah to the Lord...
    He came to show us how, yes, he died to show us how.
    Jesus, he way, the truth and the life...

    If you knew how to save someone's life...would you keep it to yourself?
    Singing glory hallelujah to to Lord...
    He came to give us life, yes He died to give us life
    Jesus the way the truth and the life...
  • smithlights Dec 14, 2011 @ 2:01 am | delete
    Such an important thing! Thanks for writing a lens about it. My cousin got a bone marrow transplant last summer, at 17 years old.
  • BeyondRoses Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:38 pm | delete
    Lots of thought provoking donor info. Dear one, you never cease to amaze, and to inspire. I wish you well on all your journeys.
  • VickiSims Dec 13, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
    Great information for a great cause! ~blessed
  • Koupie Dec 12, 2011 @ 2:29 pm | delete
    Such an important cause, bless you dear one. We need to hear more on ways we can help others and spread the word. I am going to look into this fully, could be different in Canada, and other countries other than the States. Blessed for another stellar lens :)
  • CelinaHamm Dec 12, 2011 @ 1:52 pm | delete
    All I can say is WOW!!! GREAT Lens!!! Thank you so much for doing this. So many needs a donor and they are living on hope of finding one so they can live. What a blessing you are for donating and getting the word out on how. God Bless You!
  • Waxing-Lyrical Dec 12, 2011 @ 11:07 am | delete
    Thank you so much for giving this vital issue more exposure and I very much appreciate the addition of my leukemia lens here. Blessed!
  • Timewarp Dec 11, 2011 @ 9:57 pm | delete
    Excellent cause and a well made lens, blessed!
  • debkrenaissance Dec 11, 2011 @ 7:36 pm | delete
    Amazing...
  • ---Chazz Dec 11, 2011 @ 6:26 pm | delete
    I've been enrolled quite a few years. I have added this lens to my leukemia/lymphoma fundraising page created in memory of my late sister-in-law, Dawn. She had two bone marrow transplants (one auto or self, one donor) that gave her a 5 year remission for which we are all deeply grateful. Blessings.
Show All

by

RenaissanceWoman2010

Helping to save a life would be the ultimate gift. It would be the most important thing I have ever done in my life. Will you join me in offering ho... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags