It is hard to believe that it has been 6 months since my PBSC donation in Rhode Island. I am still attempting to get an update from the Rhode Island Blood Center, so far no luck. RIBC is still waiting to hear back from my recipient's donor center.
Now on to some reflecting - why did I chose to register with the National Marrow Donor Program. It is a question I've been asked more than once, "Why did you register?" To be honest, I'm not 100% sure myself. I don't have a family member or friend that I registered in honor of. No one close to me has had to battle blood cancer. I just knew that it was something I wanted to do.
I'm not trying to make myself seem like a saint, I'm far from it, but I have always been a selfless person. It is one of my best qualities and also, at times, one of my worst. People sometimes take advantage of how much I want to help others and put them before myself, but I wouldn't change how I am because of a few rotten apples. I always tell my Mother that I'd rather have too big of a heart than too small of one.
So when the Nursing Club at my university sponsored a registry drive I took advantage and signed up. All they asked for was some basic contact information and 3 Q-tip swabs from the inside of your cheek. Piece of cake. I crossed my fingers and hoped that someday I would be a match for someone on the waiting list. I never realized that less than 3 years down the road I'd be donating.
When it comes down to it, I guess the reason I registered with NMDP is simple: I'm young, I'm healthy, and I want to help people. You get one life and I am bound and determined to make sure I do everything in my power to not squander the gifts I have been given. To share what I have and make a difference. That is why I registered to become a bone marrow donor.
For more information on how to register to become a bone marrow donor and the NMDP click here.
