A friend of mine from high school is currently battling AML Leukemia. She had gone into remission but has recently relapsed and the race is on to find a suitable bone marrow donor. Below is a message from Noelle's sister Juliette explaining the situation:
My 29 year old sister, Noelle, is bright and bubbly, she virtually sparkles and shines. A UC Davis graduate, she is the epitome of a young on-the-go professional enjoying life, friends and family. She could be your daughter, friend, cousin, coworker or niece.
However, her normal, young adult life has taken a serious detour -- again. After being diagnosed with AML Leukemia, treated, and in remission, Noelle was starting to get her life back on track when her blood test results of Friday, April 10th indicated that she had relapsed.
A stem cell (marrow) donor is needed. The first step is to find a match. I am not a match, I wish I were. But you could possibly help.
Even though we seem as white as can be, we are half hispanic, which makes it harder to find a donor.
Donor tissue typing costs are completely covered by a grant for everyone of Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, Latino, Native American, or Multi-racial decent because of the severe need of donors from these backgrounds.
A simple procedure --- 4 swabs of your cheek cells 10 seconds each -- determines your tissue type – that’s it.
Please consider this gift of life. Join Be The Match – National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) – together we can make a difference.
To register online:
Go to www.bethematch.org, click “Join”, then click “Join Now”, use promo code TEAMNOELLE2009. Once the online forms are completed, a swab kit and instructions will be mailed. Mail the kit back to NMDP and once the kit is processed, you will be entered into the Registry. A confirmation letter will then be sent.
100% Caucasian donors will be asked to make a $25.00 online tax deductible donation. Ethnic and mixed race donors will not be charged – due to their under representation in the registry.
This special drive will expire May 15, please do not delay if you would like to register online. It can take 6-8 weeks for the process.
If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them or you may contact www.bethematch.org. / NMDP Representative Magda Silva (510) 301-9512.
You can also register in person. Drives are constantly held. Please check the website for dates and locations.
Pass the word on!
website: www.bethematch.org
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After checking on the website it appears that the bone marrow donor organisation for Ireland is not linked with that in the US so it seems that if you are interested in donating you must be based in the US. Please if there is anyone out there who wants to donate please do so. Noelle is an AMAZING person and needs a donor.
