My New Happy: Be The Match Marrow Registry

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Be The Match Marrow Registry


December 2nd was Giving Tuesday, which I missed because I was on vacation.  My friend Susan wrote about it on her blog the most -- of every moment, and she shared some of the ways she would be giving back.

I was very disappointed that I couldn't take part in Giving Tuesday last week, so I decided to designate today Giving Tuesday Part 2 and share with you a favorite organization that gives back in huge ways.

For many people with life threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, their hope for a cure often comes through a bone marrow transplant from a healthy donor. However, it can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to find a donor that is a successful match for the patient.

The goal of the Be The Match Marrow Registry program, which is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, is to grow the list of potential donors.  My hubby and I joined ten years ago when a friend of ours had leukemia.  Unfortunately, a suitable match was never found for him, and he passed away shortly after.

Joining is very easy - you can register online or search for a donor event in your area. All that is required is a quick cheek swab and some information.  We get an email every year to confirm our contact phone number.

The chances of being a match for someone is only 1 in 500, but wouldn't it be wonderful to help save someone's life if you were called?




In other news, I'm very excited to announce that the winner of our cash giveaway was
Rena McDaniel!
I hope you get some Christmas shopping done for those new grandbabies of yours!



Finally, I'm taking part in two Instagram challenges this month:



I'm loving Instagram, so I hope you will check out my page or maybe add some photos of your own.

15 comments:

  1. Wow Lana - thanks for the mention here today! Being a potential bone marrow donor is a really wonderful opportunity to be a hero. So sorry to hear that your friend did not receive one in time.
    Congratulations to Rena !! and see you on Instagram!

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    1. I'm so glad you shared Giving Tuesday, even though I missed it! I'm really enjoying Instagram - you?

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    2. Yes Lana - I love Instagram! I think it is my favorite form of social media!

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  2. I joined the Bone Marrow registry back in high school. So far I haven't been a match. But my good friend from college, her son has gotten two bone marrow transplants. The first one didn't "take" so they tried again and so far so good!

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    1. I haven't been a match either. My hubby got called to take an additional blood test a few years ago, but nothing came of it.

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  3. First off, thank you very much Lana! I did get some great Christmas shopping done for the babies (&everyone else on my list). I love this idea! I am disappointed because every where I think would be a great place to "give back" I get shot down. I really wanted to do something with MEALS ON WHEELS but they stop at 1 and I can't do it until 2:30, I can't give blood or bone marrow because of my health, so I'm on to figure out something else. I really want to figure out something for the nurses or babies in the NICU so there may be a light at the end of the tunnel!

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    1. It's hard sometimes to find just the right way to give back - but I know you will!

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  4. This is so important! I am a member of the registry. It's so simple. I haven't been a match. Yet. Great post!

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  5. I had a brother who had a bone marrow transplant. At the time they had used his own marrow.
    I've been on the Bone Marrow registry for years. My kids have always known that after death I'll be an organ donor. If I could save a life, why would I not?
    So proud that when my son got his first license he signed up to be an organ donor too.

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    1. Both of my boys signed up too! I agree, why not share those organs with someone who needs them?

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  6. Not sure my first comment went through, but wanted to say what a great cause you are supporting! It's such a simple but powerful way to give back...thanks for sharing about it.

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    1. Thank you - I agree, so simple but such a help for those in need!

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  7. I'm sorry about your friend. That sounds like a worthy cause. I'm going to talk to my hubby about us joining up. That would be a wonderful thing to be able to help someone.

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    1. It's so easy to register, and it would be wonderful to help someone if you were a match!

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