Tween Saves Lives
When the time came for my nephew Patrick to design a project for his Eagle Scout, he decided to take on something that is usually done by adults. He organized a registry drive to get healthy adults to join the National Marrow Donor Registry. Did I mention he is 12 years old?
Creative Collaboration
Patrick worked with DKMS Delete Blood Cancer, the nonprofit registry that provided the swab kits and educational materials.
When considering ways to get the most donors possible, he looked to see what big events were coming up that would already bring people together. When he saw that the Full Moon Four-Miler race was coming up, he contacted race officials and asked if he could run the swab drive during the race. They readily agreed.
"I figured healthy people run, so that would be a good event." Patrick told me.
Then Patrick approached local businesses to promote the event. One man told him he would try to stop by the event, but he had a busy schedule. Patrick said, "I've got swab kits in my mom's car. Do you want to join now?" The man said yes and Patrick got him registered.
He designed flyers and distributed them all over Waterford. He and his family talked it up at ball games, at the park, and anywhere people with healthy stem cells would be.
Flyers like these were distributed throughout the town, at ball games, and to neighbors and friends.
Patrick recruited volunteers from his Scout troop, neighborhood, and ball team (including his parents and 3 siblings) and they set off for a big day of public education and donor recruitment.
"Here's a bracelet! Go to the blue tent and save a life!"
The kids walked around with signs and handed out red rubber "delete blood cancer" bracelets and guided people to the swab tent. Who can say no to adorable youth?
Runners in the race and spectators stopped by the tent to learn more about marrow/stem cell donation. A few people shared stories of loved ones who were saved by donors.
The winner of the race joined the Registry after the awards ceremony. He posed with the young drive organizer here.
Donors were invited to sign the "Heroes On Call" poster.
I'm told that 87 people joined the registry at the Full Moon race and another dozen or so joined before and after the event.
And hundreds more learned about or were reminded of their power to save lives.
Patrick says he will join the registry when he turns 18. But he's not waiting to start saving lives!
Over the last few weeks, I've focused my stem cell transplant experience through the CaringBridge website. I'll continue there as it seems easiest for my extended family to keep up.
You are welcome to follow the journey there.
When my energy picks up, I will resume improved (hopefully) writing here.
Thank you and cheers!
Marina
DONOR NEWS!!
I learned this week that my life saving blood stem cell donor is a 22 year old man who lives outside the United States. He has agreed to the stem cell collection schedule my doctor proposed. How cool is that?! Young, healthy stem cells ~ it doesn't get any better. As a patient, I am grateful that this young man agreed to take time out of his summer to save my life. As a mother, I feel a sense of pride that this young person learned about the need for bone marrow/stem cell donors, joined the registry, and agreed to help a stranger in another country. Both my kids say they hope they can do for someone what this young man is giving me. I get teary every time I think about this.
As people share wishes, prayers, and positive thoughts for my health, I ask that you include my selfless, nameless donor in those efforts.
COUNTDOWN TO TRANSPLANT
We are ONE MONTH from my Re-birthday! The process begins with a thorough Medical Evaluation. Tomorrow (June 27, 2013) is my big test day.
7:00 am: Pre-BMT labs, Vitals
I was told they will draw the blood from my Power Port, so I take that to mean they need a lot of blood.
7:30 am: Drink jug of Barium. What a refreshing treat!
8:00 am: Bone Marrow Biopsy [need another 'tag line' for my rump!]
8:30 am: Meet with Clinical Health Psychologist (this one is most worrisome ~ what if they realize I'm a bit nuts?)
9:00 am: Meet with Research
10:00 am: Pulmonary Function Test w/DLCO
10:30 am: Meet with Atlanta Blood Services re: my need for platelet donors
11:00 am: Register for CT scans
11:30 am: CT scan of Brain / Chest / Abdomen / Pelvis
1:00 pm: Lunch (probably the highlight of my day)
1:30 pm: Register for Echocardiogram/EKG
2:00 pm: Echocardiogram
It is no secret that among my numerous quirks, I have 'text anxiety.'
Whether it's my car's emissions test, the vision test to renew my driver's license, or weekly blood tests, I get a rush of the 'heebie jeebie jitters'. This may not yet be a recognized technical term, I think you know what I mean.
To calm those jitters, I mindfully picture the test administrator in his/her underwear and focus on my breathing.
In this situation, I recognize that all these tests will form a baseline of the health status of all my systems pre-transplant. My biggest threat to surviving the transplant is organ failure. The results of these tests enable the doctors to anticipate issues that may arise during chemo and post-transplant and plan accordingly.
I will find out the results of all these tests on my Education Day, scheduled for July 10th.
As the song goes, the waiting is the hardest part.
Patrick worked with DKMS Delete Blood Cancer, the nonprofit registry that provided the swab kits and educational materials. 
Runners in the race and spectators stopped by the tent to learn more about marrow/stem cell donation. A few people shared stories of loved ones who were saved by donors. 
The winner of the race joined the Registry after the awards ceremony. He posed with the young drive organizer here.
