Be The Match

Please consider registering as a stem cell/bone marrow donor and becoming the match that could save someone's life. A wonderful, motivated, driven family friend is organizing a stem cell/bone marrow donor drive in my honor on August 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harwinton Volunteer Firehouse, 158 Burlington Road in Harwinton, CT. All you have to do is show up and a volunteer will swab your cheek and enter you into the national donor registry. Please help to spread the word. If you can't make the donor drive, it's also quick and easy to register and order a kit online.

I am fortunate enough to have a sibling that matches my HLA type and pending successful further tests, she will be my stem cell donor. However, many do not have that luxury. It is so important to expand this registry of volunteers and increase the odds for those who seek a donor. Help others with blood cancers and blood disorders to live the long, happy lives they deserve with this one simple step on your part. More info on the process and what is required of donors called to act at www.bethematch.org.