An Opportunity To Save A Life

You know that feeling you get deep down inside your soul when watching a powerful movie and the hero places the well-being of everyone else ahead of their own to save the day or affirm someone else or their cause.  Every time I see one of those, I ask myself, "What would I do in that situation?"  I like to think that I wouldn't hesitate to perform to the level of the character in the movie.

I'd like to think that I would take on the English, like William Wallace, or take in a kid in need like the Tuohy family as made famous in the Blind Side.  But do I always do this?  I can't even count or worse probably haven't even recognized opportunities in my life to step in to be a hero and save a life.  Whether that is in the literal sense or to just make someone's day a little better or brighter. 

I am excited to say that I may have the opportunity to save a life in the literal sense of the phrase.  I am only recently a registered bone marrow donor (http://marrow.org/Home.aspx) and today I received an e-mail that I may be a potential match for a young woman in need of a bone marrow transplant.  It was the most exciting e-mail that I may have ever received.  It's funny to me how excited I am because I really didn't do anything but make myself available.  

There are a few of us who have been identified as potential donors, so the next step is to undergo a blood test to see which of us will be the best match to give this woman and her family hope for recovery.  Selfishly I hope that it is me, but I am encouraged that her doctors have multiple potential donors from which to choose.  

The process is simple:

- Log into the webpage from the link above

- Fill out an application

- Submit your cheek cells on the cotton swabs they mail you

- Then you wait for the exciting e-mail like I received today

Be The Match makes is extremely easy.  They take care of all of your expenses if you need it.  They help with scheduling tests and appointments.  They work with the registry to find matches for patients.  

I hope that you take the time to consider becoming part of a program that could save someone's life.  You never know, you could be the perfect match!