Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Be The Match
Inspired by my friend Katrina's post about the National Marrow Donor Program, I decided to visit the website and register as a donor. Between June 8 and June 22 registering as a donor is free (versus the usual $40 charge) but I still pictured myself having to make an appointment at a clinic, sit in a waiting room, wrangle a baby, and all the fun stuff that goes with outings and doctors' offices. Imagine my delight when I found out that you could send for a *free* at-home test kit and cut out the middle man! So I filled in the blanks and clicked the buttons, and *poof!* Within a day or two, a big old fatty envelope was in my mailbox. All I had to do was swallow, swab my mouth with four different cotton swabs, stuff it in the provided envelope (postage paid), stick it in my mailbox, and I was done! And perhaps someone out there has a son or a daughter who is sick and they are praying for a match and a willing donor. Maybe someone out there with your tissue type is praying for a match. You have 6 more days!
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I joined the registry back in 1999 (I think). There was a little boy in town who needed a transplant so the blood bank held a mass drive to find a match. I wasnt a match for that little boy, but was still put on the list. I was shocked when I found out last year that they charge people to join! But I was very impressed with the whole process of donating when they called me nearly 10 years after I signed up. Everyone was very nice and helpful, they cover all you expenses, and they check up on you at least once a year to make sure you are still ok :) Best part though is knowing you helped someone live a longer/healthier life.
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