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• Marrow Donor Registry…What it is and How to Join…
  

  For most people, the words “you need a bone marrow transplant” will be something they never hear.  But, sadly for many more,  it is a chilling reality.

  Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma – are all in the catagory of “blood cancers”.  The body becomes in-capable of producing healthy white and red blood cells.  Intensive
  treatments are needed and many times that is not enough to bring the patient into “remission”.   A bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant is used to give the body the ability to replace the patients damaged marrow from a healthy donor.  But, finding that right “MATCH” is something that is extremely hard to do.  Especially in the case of people with mixed heritages (which is a vast majority).

  We are so fortunate to have a National Bone Marrow Donor Program (BE THE MATCH)  that is a resource that can be accessed from all over the world to provide possible matches for cancer patients.   Our daughter, Lindsay, needed a bone marrow donor, and her match was found …
  1 perfect match in the world… in Germany.

  You too could have the power to save the life of someone, here or somewhere in the world.  It is a simple task to get on the registry. Join the Marrow Donor Registry  There are Marrow Donor Drives being held in locations all over the country (and the world) We need many more people to join the registry. A genetic match is what is important in this type of transplant- so having people from all nationalities on the registry is critical. Every year too many people who need a donor match, can’t find one.

  You can be a Hero!   All it takes is a cheek swab.  You can even have a donor packet sent to your home.  Imagine being able to save a life… it is the most amazing experience.

  Organizations like:  AbolishCancer.com ,  GiftofLife.org , JeffreysVoice.org   and  TreesofHopeWI.org  are working daily to raise awareness and the urgency for public support of donor registries.

  We are willing to help organize a donor drive if you are interested.  Just email or call.

  Till Next Time…

  Karen Wenzel
  Karen@TreesofHopeWi.org

  
  Posted on April 1, 2012
• Lives are affected daily by Cancer
  

  While we are enjoying a most gorgeous warm spring day here in Milwaukee, there are tens of thousands of people that are fighting for their lives. They may be undergoing Chemotherapy, transfusions, MRI’s, biopsy’s, Radiation or any number of treatments. 
  So many are praying for a bone marrow match to give them another chance at life.

  Cancer affects more than the patient. The entire family and extended family and friends of the patient all are impacted by this evil disease.  We need to remember daily that when you are next to somebody at the store, work, or anywhere, that anyone can be dealing with the journey of living with cancer. 

  We want to help spread the message of how important it is to support all the medical facilities that work night and day to treat and comfort those that are ill.  Don’t forget that even when the weather is nice and there are so many things to enjoy, that there are many that would give anything to just be well.

  So I ask….   Donate Blood   The need for blood and blood products continues each and every day. Contact the Blood Center to find out where there are blood drives or schedule to give
  Join the Marrow Donor Registry…. it only takes a cheek swab!  There are so many people whose lives depend on a marrow or stem cell donor…and many of them will never find a match.  The more people on the registry, the better chance of saving lives..
  Donate what you can to help continue the work being done through the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research) Blood Center of WI,  BeTheMatch, and all the medical facilities here and all around the country (and the world)

  We will continue to do all we can to help those that are fighting for their lives.  If you wish to join with us, we welcome you. 
  Here is the Mission of Trees of Hope WI

  Till Next Time…

  Karen Wenzel- Chairperson
  TreesofHopeWI.org
  Karen@TreesofHopeWI.org

   

  
  Posted on March 16, 2012

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