marrow-related stories
Cancer patient fighting for bone marrow donor awareness
With his final days ticking away, UK journalist Adrian Sudbury has decided to use the rest of his life to make a difference for others. Sudbury was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent a bone marrow transplant which, at first, seemed to be successful. Unfortunately, his cancer has returned and he has opted not to undergo any more intensive treatment. After two rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Sudbury knew he had had enough treatment, but when the doctors gave him a 20% chance of survival with treatment it only served to solidify his decision.
Instead, Sudbury has chosen to advocate and bring awareness to treatment options in an effort to help others who are living with cancer. Though his cancer ultimately returned, Sudbury is a strong advocate for bone marrow transpants. On his blog, he states "I have one last little mission before I die. I'm determined to try and educate more people about it is like to a bone marrow donor. There are still 7,000 people -- children and adults in the UK alone -- who are waiting to find a match. Without your help they have no hope. At least I was given a chance."
There are two methods of bone marrow donation: bone marrow harvest, and the newer, less invasive method called peripheral blood stem cell donation. You learn about becoming a donor at the National Marrow Donor Program.
Instead, Sudbury has chosen to advocate and bring awareness to treatment options in an effort to help others who are living with cancer. Though his cancer ultimately returned, Sudbury is a strong advocate for bone marrow transpants. On his blog, he states "I have one last little mission before I die. I'm determined to try and educate more people about it is like to a bone marrow donor. There are still 7,000 people -- children and adults in the UK alone -- who are waiting to find a match. Without your help they have no hope. At least I was given a chance."
There are two methods of bone marrow donation: bone marrow harvest, and the newer, less invasive method called peripheral blood stem cell donation. You learn about becoming a donor at the National Marrow Donor Program.
Area races will save lives
On Sunday, a marathon will take place in my city. There will also be a half marathon, a kids marathon, and a 5K. I've got a handful of friends of who will challenge themselves in the name of fun and fitness by running in these races and while I won't be one of the competitors this year, I may entertain the idea next time around. Part of me is intrigued by the physical accomplishment I could make by conquering more than 26 miles. Part of me just wants to participate in an event that has the power to save lives in five different ways.
The Five Points of Life races, sponsored by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, are designed to raise awareness about the need for five life-saving donations -- blood, apheresis, bone marrow, organs and tissue, and cord blood. Some event participants and volunteers are donors, some are recipients, and some are both. Donors are asked to wear an orange ribbon on race day. Recipients: a blue one (we're Gators here, hence the orange and blue). The ribbons will serve as reminders of the importance of saving lives.
Should I run next year, I'll be wearing a blue ribbon, in honor of the several units of blood I received while hospitalized three years ago with chemotherapy-induced low blood counts. What a thrill it would be to publicly acknowledge the gift I was given. What a thrill it would be to run all those miles.
The Five Points of Life races, sponsored by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, are designed to raise awareness about the need for five life-saving donations -- blood, apheresis, bone marrow, organs and tissue, and cord blood. Some event participants and volunteers are donors, some are recipients, and some are both. Donors are asked to wear an orange ribbon on race day. Recipients: a blue one (we're Gators here, hence the orange and blue). The ribbons will serve as reminders of the importance of saving lives.
Should I run next year, I'll be wearing a blue ribbon, in honor of the several units of blood I received while hospitalized three years ago with chemotherapy-induced low blood counts. What a thrill it would be to publicly acknowledge the gift I was given. What a thrill it would be to run all those miles.
