Bone Marrow and Stem Cells
Join The Registry
I Joined The Registry...
If you have joined the Bone Marrow Registry add yourself to the "I Joined" list and let others know you have made a difference.
Click here to sign the"I Joined" guestbook
Here are the last few people that signed the guestbook:
I Joined!
John
Hamilton, ONTARIO
Joined 1990 (22 years)
"After more than 10 yrs on the list, I just got called as a match. Can't wait to be the chance that someone needed:)"
Lisa Arlotti
Tecumseh , ONTARIO
Joined 2011 (1 year)
Jill McAllister
Three Hills, ALBERTA
Joined 2000 (12 years)
"I joined afew years ago... I would be so proud to help a family in need!"
seth quiring
merlin, ON
Joined 2011 (1 year)
"loved it"
Alan Sheldrick
Mississauga, ONTARIO
Joined 2011 (1 year)
a complete list.
* People listed with a butterfly icon show that they were inspired to join the Bone Marrow Registry after visiting this website.
Video
Our YouTube video provides some basic information about the bone marrow registry and why it is critical that people of all ethnic backgrounds join the registry today.
Photos
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Kelle's Story
I was a bone marrow donor July 22, 2004 and here is my story....
In the summer of 2003 I was notified from the NMDP that I was a possible match for someone needing a stem cell transplant. After later completing the blood work and physical, I was put off 3 seperate times due to the recipient not achieving remission. In February I was then notified that there would not be this procedure because the patient was still not in remission and that they would be trying a new protocol to get his disease into remission, so I was then put back into the registry.
Although disappointed that I could not help this individual, I prayed that they would find a cure for his disease.
In May of 2004, I was notified once more that I was a potential match for another person needing a transplant. This time it would be a bone marrow transplant, not a stem cell transplant. Once again, I was tested thoughoughly and was a 5/6 match. I was notified on June 1st of this news and mailed my consent on June 2nd. Unlike the first transplant being put off several times, this young man's transplant was only put off once due to his numbers just not being right for the preparation for transplant and the date was set for July 22.
I approached this date with anticipation but little fear because I knew that I was doing this for the right reason. So, on the morning of July 22 the transplant took place. I have to say that this was the most profound thing that I have ever done in my life.
Unfortunately, I was notified in December that my recipient had relapsed and had chose not to do any more treatments, so a second transplant would not be needed. He died on December 16, 2004.
Since my transplant I am an advocate for all people to get tested to become a bone marrow donor. I am the team recruitment chairman for the American Cancer Society for the Relay for Life in our area and I used this organization to promote awareness for the need for individuals in need of a transplant. My goal is to someday have a bone marrow drive in our area to get more people in the registry.
My message to all who want to become a donor..........DO IT! This procedure is something that is not to be feared. There was little discomfort and the recovery time is minimal. Most of all the rewards for becoming a donor is priceless.
There are no guarantees in life and not all transplants are successes, but I am here to say that I have 2 friends that have benefited from such transplants......one being around 4 years and the other being over 10 years post transplant.
Kelle
Do you have a story you would like to share? If so, please send it to us so that we can post it on this site. Send to stories@givemarrow.net.