One Step Closer To Being A Match….

It’s the season of giving, and in the spirit of that, I have committed to being on the Be The Match registry as a potential bone marrow donor. Today I received confirmation that my Be The Match swab kit was received and is being processed. Next, they will test it to determine my human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type, which will be the key to linking me with potential patients in need.

The swab process was easy, but I did find myself wondering what I should be expecting to happen now that they have my kit. To answer that, they sent me The Journey of a Swab video (above). I found it informative, entertaining, and a great reminder of my personal why.

What is my why?

It’s very simple, I have no reason not to donate. I am healthy, young-ish, and have plenty of good marrow to give. In fact, my family history is fairly cancer-free. I have no direct genetic links to cancer (that I know of). However, that doesn’t make me blind to the need. The core of who I am is a compassionate person. I know my purpose on this earth far extends my small family and social circle, and if I can make a difference in even one life, then it will, in turn, make my life more fulfilled. Of course, I also believe that we get what we give, and I hope that someday if there is a need in my family, that Be The Match will be a resource for us.

So, what is your personal why? Or, maybe instead I should ask you why not?

A representative from Be The Match will be on campus TODAY (Wednesday, November 7) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the commons area to answer your questions and get you registered.

For more information on this event, click here.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.