Only a few days left--FREE testing for anybody who wants to donate bone marrow!

[renate]

(I posted this once before and it didn't get a lot of response, but judging from the number of people who said on the Trevor threads a few weeks ago that if it weren't for the cost they'd want to get tested, I thought I'd try again--especially since the clock is ticking.)

It's easy and (if swabbing your cheek is your idea of fun) it's fun!

The National Bone Marrow Registry has funding for free testing for 20,000 people, so it's probably better to request the kit now than to wait for the 21st.

http://www.marrow.org /

You can get the testing kit in the mail by going to their website or go to a registration drive. Here's the link for requesting the kit:
http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Registry/TM_Join_Now/tm07_join_now.html

[LeftyMom]

1. It's really easy.

You rub 4 swabs on your cheek, put them back in the mailer, and send it off. You don't even need a stamp.

I just did it and I'd encourage anybody who's medically eligible to do it.

[jus_the_facts]

2. Already on the national registry...since before my Dad died of Leukemia in '05. k'n'r

....it was the actual bone marrow transplant that killed him too. :cry:

[renate]

5. oh, no... I'm so sorry

How awful, to have hope and then to lose him after all. :hug:

[jus_the_facts]

6. Thank you...yeah it was awful...they'd found a near perfect match from a stranger...

...which is rare...then after the transplant he suffered from graft vs. host and died from the rejection. Still hurts that he's gone and that I'd pushed him to get a transplant...then it failed anyway. :(

[renate]

10. you certainly couldn't have known what would happen

It must have been his best chance at life. I hope you don't blame yourself in any way. You made the best decision you could with the information you had.

I'm sure you've heard all this before... but it just makes me sad when people feel responsible for things that don't turn out well even if they had the very very best of intentions and made their decision carefully. (If anybody could really take responsibility for life and death, we'd be demi-gods. We just do the best we can with what we know.)

[DS1]

3. already done

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

4. K&R

Registered years ago. Mine was a blood draw though.

[Bitwit1234]

7. Question...if you had cancer in 1985 would that stop them from accepting you.

Been cancer free ever since.

[renate]

8. unfortunately, yes, with three exceptions

"Cured local skin cancer (only simple basal cell or squamous cell) is acceptable. Cervical cancer in situ is acceptable. All other forms of cancer make the donor ineligible."

(The use of the word "acceptable" is kind of funny when those sentences are read out of context, isn't it?, instead of "a history of... is acceptable.")

http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Donate_Babys_Umbilical_CB/Eligibility_Guidelines_CB/index.html

I'm sorry you can't register, but it sure is nice of you to want to, and I'm so glad you've been cancer free for 22 years! Woo hoo!

[rucky]

9. Is there a promo code? n/t

[renate]

11. yes

It's already plugged into the online form, but here it is just in case:

thanksmom0507w

[rucky]

12. Done! n/t

[Vincardog]

13. Done thanks

[rasputin1952]

14. Ah crap....having Hep A,B,C antibodies, I'm out, but I can K&R

this thread for you...:D

[Exultant Democracy]

15. I ordered my kit. n/t

[Mugu]

16. Have been on the list for many years.

Almost disappointed that I haven't been asked to donate. I only have 6 years until I will be too old to donate.

Regards, Mugu

[renate]

17. me too

I've been on the list for about 10 years and have never gotten a phone call. I'm disappointed too, although I do have more than 6 years to go. Maybe someday....

[renate]

18. thanks to everyone who's asked for a kit or who was already signed up!

:yourock:

I was kind of bummed last week when the thread with my original post with these links sank like a stone. Now I feel all :woohoo: and :bounce:

[jus_the_facts]

19. KICK