12 January 2012

Be A Donor

 
I've never blogged about it before, but my Dad has had some serious health problems ever since I was in middle school. I don't want to go too much into it, I'll save that for another post, but lately, there have been talks that he might eventually need a bone marrow transplant. As soon as I heard this, it didn't even take a second for me to want to give him my bone marrow. Unfortunately, we do not know if I am a match, and apparently the best chances are siblings. Luckily, we don't have to worry about this just yet but I've been thinking a lot about it lately.

I have been an organ donor since I got my driver's license. I had heard a story about a girl my age who was killed in a car accident. She was an organ donor. Her organs ended up saving three children. That stuck with me and the next time I was at the DMV I checked off that I wanted to be an organ donor. Now I have a cute little heart on my drivers license.

This did not put me in the bone marrow registry, however. To be in the marrow registry, all they need is a cheek swab. After talking to my Mom about this, we found the correct website where you can be added to the registry. You simply fill out a few medical questions and they send you a kit with which you can swab your cheek and send it back. It's as easy as that.

BONUS: American Express is paying for all the fees in the month of January. If you were ever thinking of becoming a donor, you really have nothing to lose. It's completely free, unless you want to make a donation, of course.

Here's the website: bethematch.org
On the bottom left of the page, it says "Join", just click that and the process begins. It really doesn't take that long.

This easy process could potentially save someone's life. I may not be able to help my Dad, but there's someone else out there that might need my bone marrow.


I hope I don't sound like I'm trying to force my readers to do this, it's just something that is very close to my heart and I want to spread the word about it. The blogging community is full of generous, kind, and loving people. If you feel like this is something you'd like to do and you end up registering, I'd love it if you would leave a comment telling me (only if you feel comfortable doing that). 

8 comments:

  1. I'm already on the marrow registry list and have for about 10 years. Some one once asked why I did it. I always think about as if I were to need or some one I loved was in need I would want a stranger to be kind enough to do it for me. I hope your dad gets well. Sending him healing vibes.

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  2. Oh and I added your link to my post today. Want to help you pass on the news!

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  3. I have been an organ donor since I was 16 too!! Prayers to your father!

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  4. I followed the link on Kristina's blog, Pretty Rambles over here. I am on the bone marrow registry and I have been since my dad died in 2004. Anything to help someone else no have to feel that pain. Sending positive thoughts your way!

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  5. I never knew anything about this Alyssa! Thank you for sharing this information!! AND I'll keep your Dad in my prayers!!!

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  6. Praying for you and your family! Already a donor! Just became your newest follower. I LOVE your blog and look forward to following! Cant wait to read more posts and get updates with everything.

    -Lindsay

    www.lindzaynicole.blogspot.com

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  7. I actually know a guy who signed up for the registry for a friend of his and wasn't a match. Well two or so years later they found a match and he went to Vanderbilt and donated. I just thought it was amazing.

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