Our Heroes
Those that inspire us everydayWhile Genny has yet to meet her donor in person this journey has opened the door to meeting individuals from all over the world who in one way or another are related through the bone marrow transplant process. Especially interesting are our heroes – the people who generously and unselfishly agree to be donors. And we wondered why? Here are some of their stories of those that we have been blessed to meet along the way.
Lorenz
Our Hero
Lorenz registered with the National Marrow Donor Program (Now called Be the Match) in early 1999 after a friend of his was diagnosed with leukemia. Humbled beyond belief, he says the donation procedure wasn’t “really a big deal” and the experience made a profound impression on him. Lorenz said, “It’s easy to take your own health for granted without realizing what an awesome blessing being a donor can be.”
It’s easy to take your own health for granted without realizing what an awesome blessing being a donor can be.
Scott
Our Hero
Scott signed up to be a donor 25 years ago while he was working at a hospital. He was giving blood and learned he could also register to be a bone marrow donor. When asked why, he said it was a no-brainer. Cancer is everywhere. His Mom died when he was only 6 years old of cancer and his aunt has been battling cancer for years. He said the opportunity presented itself and he jumped at the opportunity. It’s an easy way to get in, get out and kick cancer in the butt in the process.
Meeting Genny helped me understand even more how important becoming a donor is.
Sandy
Our Hero
In 2001, I signed up with the National Bone Marrow Registry to be a donor. From my years of nursing, I saw day after day, week after week, and month after month, just how many people needed bone marrow to survive. In December 2007, I was finally called to be a donor. I remember the day very clearly. It was around Christmas and I felt like I had won the lottery. I felt blessed to know I was going to be able to help another person with something so important and maybe even help save a life.
I hope everyone reading this will think about becoming a donor and helping to save a life. It is truly like winning the lottery, only better I imagine.
Marj
Our Hero
A few years after graduating high school, one of Marj’s best friends was awaiting a life-saving bone marrow transplant and at the last minute, the donor changed his/her mind. Marj’s friend died soon after. A few years later, Marj signed up for the registry, hoping that one day she would be able to save someone’s life.
Marj said she’s living proof that one person can make a difference.
Become a Donor Today
We consider our bone marrow donors heroes – because they are the people who generously and unselfishly agree to be donors.