Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

My cousin sent a message through Facebook that they have a friend with a 12 month old daughter who needs a bone marrow transplant in order to survive. The story broke my heart, maybe more now because I have a DD just a little older than her. They had a link to the National Marrow Donor Program where you can request a kit at no charge to be sent to your house. The kit will allow you to take swabs from your cheek and send it in so that you can be typed and put on the national list of marrow donors.

I ordered the kit and am now making my decision as to whether or not I want to be on the list. If I put myself on the list, I will commit to being a donor going forward if I am found to be a match for someone.

Apparently there are 2 types of donation. One is very similar to giving platelets. The other is done under anesthesia and they take marrow from your pelvic bone. And there doesn't seem to be much risk besides being sore for a little while and giving your body time to replenish it's marrow. They pay for all the costs associated with your donation, medical costs, doctor visits, any travel necessary. It's not like an organ donation where you would have to live without that organ. You donate marrow and it comes back. You end up whole again.

So my question is would you do it? Would you put yourself on the list knowing that someday you might be a match for someone? Would you donate marrow? I'm just curious as to what other people think.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I already am, I was tested back in HS for a friend who needed a transplant. He sadly didnt find a match and passed away. This is why I think its SO important to be on the donor list bc there are people literally dying waiting for a match.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I would do it for my family or a close friend. I am not sure if I would be able to do it for a stranger.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Can you post a link to the kit?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I already am. I've never been called but wouldn't hesitate if I were.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

My best friend was a bone marrow donor for her brother when he had leukemia years back. Despite the fact that the procedure to retrive the bone marrow was VERY painful, she saved her brothers life.

To be honest if I was saving the life of a loved one (a sibling, my husband, my child, my niece or nephew) I would never question doing it.
If I could save the life of a friend or friends child who would truly appreicate what I was doing then I would also do it.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I probably would have to know the person!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Posted by neener1211

Posted by jerseypanda

Posted by neener1211

Can you post a link to the kit?

Hopefully this will work... it's from my cousin's DH Facebook page.

Bone Marrow Donation

I don't have facebook

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Amanda-I just ordered a kit and will be doing it...for anyone who didnlt look at the pictures-look at this face

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Posted by DRMom

Amanda-I just ordered a kit and will be doing it...for anyone who didnlt look at the pictures-look at this face

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Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I would. My sister in law's dad recently passed away from leukemia and it was utterly heatbreaking to see him suffer and deteriorate. I would help anyone in need of my bone marrow.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Posted by jerseypanda

Posted by DRMom

Amanda-I just ordered a kit and will be doing it...for anyone who didnlt look at the pictures-look at this face

IMAGE

Thank you. I swear I am such a freaking emotional mess lately. I can't hear stories about kids who are sick without tears streaming down my face. I got my kit in the mail yesterday and talked to my DH about it. I am going to do it right now and put it in the mail today. If I'm not a match for her, hopefully I can be a match for someone out there. What an amazing thing to be able to say you helped save someone's life!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I would do it in a HEARTBEAT! I have been on the registry for years now. I am hopeful that one day someone will match with me and I will be able to help them.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I just ordered kits for my DH and I... I know we can find someone to match that lil angel!!!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I just signed up for a kit. Thank you for posting. As long as there is no huge risk to my health and that I risk not being alive to parent my children, I am more than willing to help save someone's life.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I just signed up, I hope I can help someone someday! I hope Mia finds her match!!!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Thank you everyone! I originally just wanted to get people's opinions on whether or not they would be a donor. I am so thankful that it is now causing some of you to order the kit! Imagine if you were in need of bone marrow some day... the more people on the registry, the greater the chances of finding a match!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

Yes, I would do it. I thought they xtracted from your spine, but maybe things are different these days. That would deter me a bit b/ ci have spine/back issues. but if it meant saving a kids life, then thats a piece of cake i guess.

I will be requesting the kit. thank you for posting!

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?

I am actually wearing my "Got Marrow?" shirt today hoping to raise awareness of marrow donation.

When I was in the hospital having my DS, there was a woman in the room next to me having her second DD. her first DD has cancer and her story broke my heart. Ever since then, I try to do whatever I can to help out. This woman and her family have touched somethng inside of me - I cannot imagine going through half of what her family has gone through.

Re: Would you ever be a bone marrow donor?