National Marrow Donor Program

Sam got back to me with Maya's Caring Page.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/concentrate

[MissCrabette]

I registered today. I also can't give blood, but this is something I can do. Thanks for posting this, Jenn!

[migirl]

I just registered, too. Thanks, Jenn!

Excellent!

I'm pushy (but it's for a good reason). If you registered, you might also consider sending a link via email to friends and family, posting to your FB page, Tweeting, any / all of the above!

I think I said it earlier in the thread, but I've been emailing with Maya's dad, and he seems like such a great guy. He's commented many times that he's thrilled by all of the folks who have responded -- even though he knows that most don't have much of a chance to help Maya because it's not likely they'll be a genetic match.

Thanks all!

[SuzySunshine]

I'm in - took no time at all!

[fluffhead]

I've been on this registry since 1989 - I got called once about six years ago, to get further testing, but no match. I hope everybody who can joins up.

[DCJenn]

I signed up when I saw the message from Jenn. I vaguely recall signing up for something previously but I couldn't find any information in my files.

I think it's such a great thing. and if anyone ever asks, I want everything usable donated. (of course, right now, no one wants my liver)

Jenn

[MarissaNicole]

I've been out of town so I missed this...

They wouldn't let me sign up a few years ago because I have severe asthma (and it wasn't very well controlled) - anyone know if I would be eligible now that it is controlled?

Also I'm not sure if it is still true, but in the past it was ALWAYS free from minorities to register because they have a harder time finding matches. In college a close friend of mine signed up, and about 8 months later she found out she needed a transplant herself...she did find a match, but her transplant had complications.

[MissCrabette]

Marissa, they have a Medical Guidelines section under the Join the Registry tab. Here's what they say about asthma:

If you have asthma that is exercise-induced or is well-controlled using an inhaler (including those containing steroids), and have had no attacks requiring oral (pill) or intravenous (IV) steroids or emergency care in the past five years, you are able to register to become a potential volunteer donor. If you have asthma requiring regular/daily use of oral (pill) steroids, you will not be allowed to register.

I hope you're able to join. DH and I got out kits today and mailed them out right away. Was it just me or did anyone else have trouble getting the swabs to stay tucked into the foam holder?

[poky]

My impression reading through the medical qualifications were that most chronic things, if they're controlled, won't keep you from donating. I'd try again.

[SuzySunshine]

My kit came today, I just need to read it and return it. This has also made me realize I need to get back to donating blood as well, I was religious about it in CA but never signed up for it here. I just found out our donor site has childcare - yay!

[MarissaNicole]

Great news! Thanks! Now I just have to find another sponsored registry program so that I can avoid the registry fee. I think I will have DH do it as well! Its such a good cause!

Marissa - try the one in the link I gave you earlier in the thread. I bet the codes I listed still work.

[DCJenn]

I got my kit today, and it's ready to go out in the mail. and yes, the foam holders were pretty lame.

Jenn

I'm bumping this up.

I got a caringbridge update on Maya today -- apparently the poor thing broke her arm last week. She was sitting on her mom's lap and fell about 1 1/2 feet -- I guess steroids weaken your bones while simultaneously making you gain weight.

They still do not have a donor, either.

Please, if you haven't already, register to donate, email your friends, post it as your facebook status, tweet it ... whatever you do.

Thank you.