This afternoon, I got a phone call from "Be the Match". Anyone have any ideas of what this means?
Many moons ago, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor, for a number of reasons I won't get into at this point. This afternoon, I received a phone call that I am among a group of potential matches for a patient. Initial criteria is match of 5 or 6 different characterisitics of your blood (not sure what they all are) , with 6 of 6 obviously being the best. For this particular situation, there are a number of us that are a 6 of 6 initially, me included. Further testing will be conducted on each donors blood sample to determine who is the best of those of us that have a 6 of 6 match.
I gave a health history to the lady over the phone - obviously, I disclosed my current situation to her regarding my blood count. My guess is that it will probably eliminate me from the group, which is totally understandable. But then again, it may not, as my most recent blood counts have come back normal.
So right now, I just wait - this is obviously something that will resolve itself one way or another fairly soon. Suiffice to say, I was very surpised when I listened to the message on the phone and of course, called back right away. My guess is nothing will come of it, but if it does, I will certainly be happy to part with some of my healthy bone marrow. :) Until then, I will say a prayer that the right donor comes along for this individual and they are completely healed from their illness.
For information on donation, visit http://www.bethematch.org/.
1 comment:
Wow, that's very exciting! I signed up to be a bone marrow donor years ago but have never been contacted. I'm going to check out the link you provided, since I don't know if they even have my current contact info anymore. It amazes me that there are so many people who are a potential match for this person; you always hear stories about how they can't find matches for people.
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