This afternoon, my wife called me at work and told me that I had a message from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

Since I don't know anybody in need of a bone marrow transplant, I was puzzled, at first, until I remembered that almost thirteen years ago, when my wife and I lived in New Hampshire, the parents of a young boy in need of bone marrow arranged for a drive at the Nashua Fire Department.

I had long since forgotten, but fortunately, the NMDP didn't forget me, or lose track of where I live, or my phone number for that matter.

When I called back, I was told that they reason that they were contacting me was that I was a genetic match for a 13 year old girl, location unknown at this point, who is in critical condition with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ACL).  Without having to give it a second thought, I knew right away what my answer would be when I was asked the question:

Would I be willing to help?

Absolutely!

I knew thirteen years ago that the chance of that little boys family finding a match was like looking for a needle in a haystack--in the dark.  But I knew that with the registry, one day I might be a match for someone.  I also know that, but for the grace of God, it could be my child, or our friends children that were in need, so why not a stranger for whom hope is their only option?

Ironically, this girl was born around the time I joined the registry.  I believe that it's more than mere coincidence that we went that day.

After going through a lengthy question and answer session with the registry on the phone today, confirming that I hadn't had any tattoos or body piercings in the last sixty days, hadn't been incarcerated over 72 consecutive hours in the last six months (apparently, they were worried that I might have been given a going away party during hour 73), or been paid for, uh, hanky panky, I passed the written portion of the test.

Next week, I have to go in for blood work at UMASS.  The next step is to see if I am indeed the closest match, and the family by law, has up to 60 days to let me know if they want to proceed.  I was told since this girl is critical, however, that a 60 day wait is unlikely.

Then, depending on the outcome of the tests, it can be either a bone marrow extraction or a stem cell procedure through blood tests, either of which is minimally invasive, from my perspective.

I asked if I could meet the girl if I am indeed selected, but was told that if her parents agreed, it would have to wait until the end of the year.  I'd just like to say hello and know that she's ok.

So, while I hope that I can help her and that all goes well for her and her family, I wanted to take a moment to encourage everybody that can to contact the NMDP.

I'm enclosing a link, with a toll free number.  If you read their information, it says that you can do it online (for a cost of $52 for the tissue typing), or you can wait for a free screening, which is what I did years ago.  Either way, it's a blood sample or a swab of cheek cells, and it can save a life.

In the whole scheme of things, what is more important than doing whatever we can to help another in need, whether we know them or not, when all it costs us is a little time?

Join the other 11 million people already on the registry.

God bless.

National Marrow Donor Program