About two years ago I registered myself in the national bone marrow registry for a friend who had leukemia. (She has since recovered and had a baby...horray!)Two weeks ago I got a call from the registry saying I might be a possible match for a 14 year old boy with aplastic anemia. I have read that it is relatively safe procedure. I feel like I am in good health and if I am a match (I went in for further blood-match testing last week) I will probably do it. Has anyone else done this or had experience with this? I work almost full time and am very busy with my daughter and husband. Is it going to completely take me out of commission for a long time? Just looking for experiences or expertise before I make the final decision. Thanks!
It's been a while since I posted this question but for those of you curious: I did not end up going through with it.
I did indeed say yes to them and then about a week later they told me I was not a match after all. So I mentally let it go. Then two months later they called me again and said, "Wait, well yes you are a match. Can you do it?" in that two months alot had changed in my life and it was not a good time for me anymore. I went through some anguish over saying no...but in the big picture, I did the best I could and don't feel guilty. I never knew what happened to that boy....perhaps they found someone I'd like to hope. I was a little confused by the process- with the first no, then yes thing.....
Hi Margaret:
While it is a very personal decision, I think you should do it. Thank God our children are healthy. However, if we think about the child and the mama going through something as scary as aplastic anemia, there's no doubt in my mind that I would do it in a heartbeat. (BTW - I am also on the registry and hope some day to be able to save a life!) Good luck to you with this decision.
M.
Wow good for you! I am actually hoping to donate a kidney soon.
I can't think of any better way to show our children compassion and helping others, even strangers, than helping to save a life!
Good luck and God Bless!
Margaret,
Regardless of what you eventually decide, I am very proud of you and all others like you. I donate blood every so often and have been wanting to register for something like this as well. (Gotta stop talking and act now- though I gues I had better wait til I'm no longer pregnant.) The fact that you already went to be further tested, tells me yu are committed, though a bit scared. Anyone would be, but if you find it in your heart to go through with it, provided you are his match, you won't regret it. You will have given the gift of life to a stranger and ended his family's grief. Congratulations.
Small price to pay to save a life and give some hope!
While I have never donated bone marrow myself, I am on the registry myself. I have three children under five. I am confident, without a doubt, that regardless of the side effects, if called to day I would donate without hesitancy. Being able to possibly save a persons life, especially that of a child, is a priceless gift.
