I’m sure there will be time for me to talk about the weekend, but really, I drove to Dallas, saw some great friends, ran a big circle and got soaked to the bone…end of story.
Normally I wouldn’t be so blasé about my accomplishment, but a friend is in need of some serious prayers and assistance.
BigBrother has been diagnosed with myelodspastic syndrome (MDS). Basically the aplastic anemia he kicked 10 years ago has come out of remission bigger and badder than ever. MDS is a pre-leukemia disease and messes with blood cells. Either not producing blood cells at all or producing only blasts, which are immature blood cells. The immature cells aren’t able to carry iron the way a real cell can, hence the anemia.
Remember, this is the man who introduced me to my camping partner last month and has welcomed me with open arms into our school’s “family”. He’s the one with whom I am able to do “Irish firedrills” and run a crazy three-mile race in mud. He’s incredibly important to me.
The treatment for MDS sounds like it sucks. As of now, pending insurance approval, BigBrother is scheduled to begin chemotherapy this week and be in the hospital a minimum of five days. There are rumors of radiation, but I have not heard that from his mouth, so I cannot say with certainty. Ultimately he’s going to need a bone marrow transplant in the near future. I know it was not easy for him to find a match 10 years ago and am hopeful there have been more bone marrow registrants since that time.
Because I do not like relying on that 'hope", and the fact I am not one to just sit around and wait, I’ve decided to take steps to host a Be the Match registration drive.
I’m going to digress (big shock) and mention being a bone marrow donor is something I’ve always wanted to do. I actually hope there is someone out there I am able to help some time in my life. I’ve been crushed by 750 lbs of pressure and only broke a pelvis. I’m pretty sure my bones are solid. If some of my bones can help out a friend or stranger I would give that opportunity.
I understand that being a donor hurts. It hurts A LOT.
I’m willing to go through the physical pain if it means I helped make a person’s life better. Maybe that person pays it forward and helps someone else out in a meaningful way. I am not extremely civic minded. I don’t run for office and I don’t attend public meetings. If I can do this, then that’s a big deal.
Digression complete…
The registration drive is in the baby request stages at this point. I will definitely keep my little social world informed of any news I receive.
As I understand it there are six criteria that must match to make a viable donor. BigBrother was told today he could have any of my parts that match. *smile
Unfortunately, I know it does not work that way, and that is why I am reaching out to you.
The beauty is you do not have to be in Houston or wait until I get a registration drive started to help. The Be the Match registry is a national database. Once you are in there is a chance you could be a donor to someone on the opposite side of the country from where you reside. Shoot, it could be someone from the opposite side of the street and you don’t even know!!!
I registered five years ago at an Athletic Trainer convention and called to confirm today I am on the list. Good news is I am! Now I’m just trying to get the word out.
If you are interested in helping, either to help my friend or out of a general desire to help a fellow human being, joining the registry steps follow:
The process is very simple. Go to http://marrow.org and click on the “Join the Registry” tab. From there you can read and get more information to see if this is the right choice for you. If you feel it’s right click on the “Join Now” and answer the prompts as they come up. From there the Registry will send you a kit to collect a swab of cheek cells (NO finger pricks for blood!!!). Once the kit is returned boom, you are on the list. I’m sure there is a bit more communication, but in general that is how it works.
SandPile is going to talk to the Pathology Lab at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lewiston this week to see if she can get put on the registry through them.
I certainly hope this blog finds you happy and healthy. No one should have to go through what BigBrother’s family is going through. There are two small kids ages 9 and 6 and one young man who will have to take on a greater burden around the house than his 17 years should allow. I know they are a strong family with an amazing support and faith system.
If you are comfortable, please pass the word on to your friends who do not read this blog. I KNOW it is a HUGE thing to ask someone to donate bone marrow. That is precisely why I appreciate you reading this far.
XOXO
Inspiration Song…Can’t Get Enough by Bad Company
I was actually singing “Can’t get enough of your blood” while writing this blog. *smile
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