June 2, 2012 in Blog, In The News by Karen

Marrow Donor Registry…What it is and How to Join…Why it is Important!

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.

This is a first-hand report of why Joining the Marrow Donor Registry is so important!   Jake’s Story

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