Having already received one bone marrow transplant, and now going through another one (transplant #2 was 10/7/21 !!), Be The Match is an organization that will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Not everyone who needs a transplant is as lucky as I am in having a sibling match (s/o Ryan). Some people have to wait months before finding a suitable match, and others have to choose an entire new treatment plan simply because they lack a donor. Be The Match primarily focuses on encouraging people to sign up and join the bone marrow registry, increasing the pool of possible matches.
So why should you donate? Donate to add potentially lifesaving bone marrow donors to the registry. Donate to alleviate the burden of transplant costs for families in need. Donate to fund new and exciting research that will continue to improve treatment for years to come. Whatever your “why”, the list of reasons goes on and on.
Be The Match helps patients find hope amidst tragedy, and in my opinion, any organization capable of such a gift deserves all the world has to offer. Hopefully, you have something to offer them too :)
Stay happy and healthy friends… and Go Hawks!!
Jenny <3
P.S. If you're interested in joining the bone marrow registry as a potential donor, text "GoHawks19" to 61474, or visit https://my.bethematch.org/GoHawks19
https://fundraise.nmdp.org/participant/jennycape