A Second Chance
May 24, 2017
Most of us take our lives for granted. We assume that tomorrow is a given, but for those with a serious health condition, seeing tomorrow is not a guarantee. In fact, there are many people waiting for a bone marrow donation and without a match, many of these people will not be able to live long, healthy lives. However, you can make a difference! When you sign up for the Be The Match Registry®, you can potentially make a life-saving impact on someone in need.
A Second Chance
When I was a kid, I was one such patient. As a baby, I had a health condition that made me quite ill. I needed a bone marrow donation. Luckily, my doctors found a match for me and I was given a donation. This really transformed my health at the time. My doctors even assured my parents that I would not need further bone marrow donations in the future and that I would be able to lead a healthy, normal life. While I have never met my donor, I am forever grateful. This individual has given me a second chance at life! I was able to graduate college summa cum laude and go on to graduate school.
A Second Chance
I was able to marry my high school sweetheart and begin a beautiful marriage together.
A Second Chance
I was able to give birth to two daughters that bring me joy & happiness every single day.
A Second Chance
I was able to start a blog and fulfill my lifelong dream of entrepreneurship.
A Second Chance
Yes, my donor gave me a second chance at life! Did you know you can give someone else a second chance? In fact, a marrow transplant can save the life of someone suffering from any one of 70 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell. Most of these patients cannot rely on family members for a match, as 70% of patients don’t have a matched donor in their family circles. They rely on Be The Match.
If you’re a young adult, you’re especially encouraged to join. This is because the marrow of younger people is healthier than that of older people. Plus, donating is much less painful than one might initially think. Did you know that the Be The Match Registry® is the world’s largest donor registry? All it takes to join is a simple cheek swab. Visit join4kami.org to learn more. You could give someone else a second chance!
One person waiting for their second chance is 11-year-old Kamryn. She suffers from sickle cell anemia but currently has no donors available to help her on the registry. Although Kamryn had five matches on the registry, they were unwilling or medically not able to donate marrow. Find out how you can help Kamryn find a match here.
Have you ever had a serious medical condition? Would you be willing to give a life-saving donation & give someone else a second chance at life?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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A good friend of mine just signed up to be a donor and I truly hope she is able to help someone someday. It is a wonderful gift to the recipient.
Your story is so inspiring! I have never heard of Be The Match but will have to look at getting tested.
I just love this idea! I need to become a donor just in case I can help someone.
What a great story of how that bone marrow treatment gave you a second chance! It is so important to give life when we can!
I think donation is the best gift ever. If you’re able to give something to somebody else that is sick there’s no greater gift. I am so glad that somebody donated for you.
what an inspiring story you have. I’m so glad you got the donation you needed for life. Absolutely amazing.
Thank you for sharing, I have always wished I could donate even blood but sadly my health means I cannot, I have thought about leaving my body to science in years to come in the hopes it may help future generations though.
Bone marrow donations change (and save) lives. Thanks for sharing the story of your second chance. I hope it encourages others to donate.
I absolutely loved reading your story of what was given back to you! I think I am going to have to add myself as a potential donor!
I’m so glad you were given a second chance and you took full advantage. It looks like you have a wonderful life, thank goodness you had this opportunity.
I am so happy that you were given a second chance. I signed up and registered with the bone marrow registry about 2 years ago. I think it is something that everyone should do if they can.
How awesome could it be to meet the person who saved your life and thank him personally. Thanks for second chances!
I am so very glad that you were matched with a donor when you were younger! I haven’t of The Be Match Registry but I will definitely look into it further!
I think it is wonderful hearing of situations such as this. It sucks that it’s needed, but so happy you were able to get your second chance. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to donate due to health issues.
I have never heard of the Be The Match Registry. I believe it is such a wonderful blessing for other if people sign up for registries like this for sure. Signing up really can give a person a second chance at life and this is a beautiful thing. Thanks for sharing your story and the information.
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This is a new thing for me. What an amazing story you have.
A friend of mine is struggling with some major kidney issues so I will pass this link to him…. Thank you for sharing with us your story!
This is such an important cause! I wish more people would get involved in giving others the chance they deserve. Thank you for sharing!
This is really inspiring. I always believe that if you give, you will receive. May the God bless you more!