The holiday season is now upon us and with the headlong rush to visit family, find gifts, and attend celebrations, we remind everyone of the critical need to join the marrow registry, and donate if you are called as a match. Your blood stem cells actually have the amazing power to cure blood cancer, sickle cell, and other life-threatening diseases.
Transplants of stem cells or marrow are usually the last possible option for patients battling blood cancer and similar diseases, after other treatments have failed to cure them.
This is the case for two patients in urgent need, neither of whom currently has a match in the registry. Gift of Life is seeking donors for Rose Bradwell and Ignacio Edenburg.
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Rose, 47, is a physician assistant who has been battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML) since 2020. Her beautiful family – husband T.J. and their three daughters – are hoping for a miracle. Because genetics play a role in matching donors and recipients, we need individuals of Haitian and/or African ancestry to please join the registry. Learn more about Rose. |
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Ignacio, 50, is fighting a blood cancer called myelofibrosis. His incredible wife Melissa and their daughter and son hope his hero will be found soon. Ignacio’s best chance for a match is with people of Jewish, Spanish, or Portuguese ancestry. Are you Ignacio’s lifesaver? Learn more about Ignacio. |
Rose and Ignacio are only two of the thousands of people seeking matching donors right now. Having volunteer donors already in the registry when a patient learns they need a transplant is the best possible situation. But to reach that goal, we need everyone to join the registry.
With the season of giving now in full swing, we hope you will be moved to give someone the gift of life.
If you are 18 to 35 and in general good health, click here to have a registration kit sent to your home.