I'm a potential bone marrow match!

Vsummer1 · Apr 28, 2004

I had my blood drawn for this years ago, but haven't heard a word. There was a drive at our college. I just figured if I could help someone live, I would do it. I am AB- so with such a rare blood type I feel it would almost be my duty to try to help someone else.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 29, 2004

I am so excited with you !!! I think it's WONDERFUL.

Two years ago I signed up for marrow donor as well... our unit secretay's husband had leukemia... unfortunately he passed away about 6 mos. after the drive. He was only 48 or fifty tops.

I have never heard anything from the organization, either... I wonder if I need to update or perhaps send them my email addy? (didn't have a pooter then)... I'm not easily available by phone, and I don't pick up on numbers I don't recognize... wonder if I've missed a call.

I hope everything works out for you AND her... way to go !!! :balloons:

Keep us posted. :)

nurseygrrl, LPN · Apr 29, 2004

That is a wonderful thing you are doing. I would be excited as well!! Keep us posted as to what's going on.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 29, 2004

I think it is fabulous that you are doing it and I understand your excitement. I was wondering myself how to get onto the registry? hmmm...gonna have to do some research when I have time. Good for you!

cannoli · Apr 29, 2004

I think it's great. I've been on the registry since 1997 but haven't been contacted, probably never will be.

Lucy4 · Apr 29, 2004

:balloons: I participated in a drive 12-14 years ago and have never been contacted as a possible match. Every year or so I recieve a newsletter from the bone marrow registry association. I remember giving an alternate contact phone number in the event I couldn't be reached - someone who would know where I can be located. A few years ago I worked at a children's hospital on a hematology/oncology floor and cared for a number of kids who underwent transplant - most were autologous transplants or recieved bone marrow from a sibling or parent. I would think the Red Cross would be able to provide information on becoming a bone marrow donor.

TonyafutureRN · Apr 29, 2004

For the poster who was wondering about how to get registered, go to http://www.marrow.org and it will answer your questions. From what I read on the website,several million people are registered and they've only matched up 11,000 since 1987 so I guess it's hard to find exact matches and most people will never be contacted about being a match. But the more people on the registry, the more chances people who need transplants have to find a match. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes! Tonya

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 29, 2004

It's like winning the lottery for the donor and the recipient. Wonderful news.

hope you'll let us know how it goes.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 29, 2004

Wow, I just went to that link to find out how to sign up and they want $65-100 from the potantial donor to do the tissue typing! WTH are they thinking? donors do not benefit from getting stuck with that needle or filling out all the paperwork- do we get a cut of the fee if we match??? What jerks.

I am sending them a rude email. JERKS.

BeachNurse · Apr 29, 2004

I think it's a great thing. I was going to do it but then my sister was dx'ed with aplastic anemia. I am saving my marrow for her now! :) Good luck and take care.

Nur_1996 · Apr 29, 2004

I think its a great gift you are giving. It dos'ent seem right that the donor would be charged. Take care of yourself. Marie