Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Finally on the marrow registry!

Today there was a drive to sign up potential donors onto the National Bone Marrow Registry, so I finally got over my fear and signed up.

I went over with a friend from school who's also involved with donations and fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We gave our personal information and signed a sheet, then gave a cheek swab so they could identify our DNA for potential matches with recipients.

All in all, I feel really good about this. I fear needles, but this procedure is only as invasive as a plasma donation. I simultaneously hope I never need to be called on, while hoping I can be that donor who saves someone's life.

Obviously I will update the blog if I am chosen as a donor. Also, there are more donor drives coming up, so let me know if you are willing to sign up on the registry. It's a really great cause!

4 comments:

Meesh said...

Val, I'm so glad you're doing this! If I didn't pass out while giving blood (like Mom), I would do the same!!

Valerie said...

It's not like I do much better - I almost fainted two years ago when I got my TB booster before law school. But I'm doing the marrow registry anyway.

Sara Sherman said...

That is great, Valerie. With families getting smaller, there is less of a chance there will be a sibling who will be a match (look at Dad, 2 out of 3 were not a match).
Thanks for being brave. Donating is no where near as bad as receiving.
Love Mom

Amanda said...

This a great thing you're doing, Val. Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to do it, too.