Pausing to do a little good for someone else.

This is totally unrelated to our lives at SPHS, but, it may be an extension to the values we learned back at the high school.

Did you ever volunteer to do any of the fund raisers? Were you a booster? Were you in "The Red Cross Club?" Well, I need your help now. Not actually now, but, it may come to an ultimate search for just the right person. Even if you aren't an exact match for me, you may be able to donate for someone else. No, I'm not talking about a kidney or some great sum of money. The latest challenge to my "Life Story" since the last brain surgery to replace the Mylein Sheath and stop some bleeding issues has left me needing periodic iron and blood transfusions. They call it "Ideopathic Aplastic Anemia." It is the loss and non-sufficient replacement of Hemoglobin to my system. That is the short explaination of the problem. Ultimately, I may need a transplant of bone marrow to replace and kick-start the blood production that normally occurs there. If you sign-up for the program, you may be the grain of sand that becomes the ellusive pearl that beats the astronomical odds, and perhaps saves a life.

Cont.

There are about a hundred people so far that have signed on to this cause on my behalf. My oldest friend from South Pasadena, and her family recently took the plunge. They understood how long the odds were. I'm more likely to be struck by lightning or hitting the Mega-Bucks tonight, but, They knew the odds were just as good for a match as anyone else. They also knew if they didn't get typed they stood even less of a chance. Zero. 

Now, about the financial costs of Tissue Typing. (The way they find a match) They are high. Okay, crazy! Here's a neat part. If you are not independently wealthy I wouldn't expect you to reach into your wallet, but, during a blood or bone marrow drive they may waive the costs in return for a pint of your blood. There is a needle they use to get the blood! The tissue typing is basically painless. You rub off a few skin cells from inside your cheek.

I hope that you will consider and find out more. Just go to the National Marrow Donor Program: www.bethematch.org

To those of you who have already been typed, and to those of you who do it in the future. "You are the wind beneath my wings!"

Love, Held Fast With Tiger Seals,

Derek