Has anyone gone through the process of being tested and/or becoming an actual donor? I have been told I am a "potential match" for a patient who badly needs DNA. I would love to have more information from someone with experience. Thanks!

I was contacted many years ago by the donor registry program that I was the closest match they'd ever found for a young child going through chemo. It wasn't for bone marrow ~ I think it was for platelets or something. Anyway, after traveling 90 minutes and having a quick blood test, it was discovered I was too anemic to donate. The only way I could donate was if the child was in critical condition and that wasn't the case at that time. They never did contact me again so I assume everything worked out for the patient.

I'm on the bone marrow donation registry, but I haven't ever been contacted.

I have been told once that I am a potential match, I got soo excited, and them they found somebody better. Bummer....

I've been on the bone marrow donor list since 1995 I think (before I got married) and have never gotten a call. It is such one in a million that you would be a good match that I think if I was it would be a miracle. I would love to be able to donate though, it would be better than winning the lottery and the odds are about the same!

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How do you go about getting on the list? What do you have to do, blood test??

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My DH donated bone marrow approx 5 years ago

At his job, there was a drive for one of the employees.

He tested positive for a Mom of 2 in GA.

A much more extensive blood test was performed. Had to meet with a registry counselor, a complete medical exam and provide medical records.

He went to the Moffitt center in Tampa, they made 2 small puntures in his upper buttoch/ hip bones -no sticitches for him and while under anesthesia they removed the marrow from his hips. Not going to lie to you.. he said it was extremely uncomfotable and swore that I hit every bump the next day on the way home, he took some pain killers and was home from Thursday and returned to work Monday. Stayed quite tender fo about a week. ASked if he would do it again... DEFINATELY! The mom we never met lived 18 months after the donation and died of organ failure NOT from the cancer.

Good luck and just imagine the difference you could make!

Josie

I have been on the donor registry list for about 16 or years--no calls yet. I have read up quite a bit about the procedure, and all reports I have read basically state that the donor may feel uncomfortable for a few days--none mentioned pain. I would so love to be able to participate as a donor!!! I would take temporary discomfort to know that I contributed to furthering a person's life.

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Here you go,
National Marrow Donor Program

It so easy, just a mouth swab on each side of your cheek. You do it at home and send it in.

I got on the Bone Marrow registry this year! There is a "Thanks Mom" campaign in May I think.. 2 weeks or so where it's free. I joined after someone here posted about Trevor Kott, who passed away about that time. Joining is easy! It's just a mouth swab. I haven't been contacted to donate... my mother has been on it for years and hasn't gotten a call either.

Huh? How can you need DNA? Do you mean they want a sample of your DNA for testing?

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Mary

I got on the registry list in 1991 and was notified once that I was a potential match for a 2 yr old girl. What a fabulous feeling to know that I might be a match! I went for the further testing and turned out not to match after all. I was so disappointed...
I have moved a couple of times since and have not heard anything. Often wonder if that is due to having new addresses. I called once to update my address, but didn't get anywhere.

I, too. was a potential match, but with further testing, they found a better match. This was a few years ago, right after I got into the registry.

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Nutella,....
proving some of the best things in life come in a jar.

I've been on the list for years, never got a call. Maybe someday.

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I am a nurse in the Lymphoma program at Cleveland CLinic. We do transplants all the time with Bone Marrow/stem Cells.
E mail me and I will answer any questions you have.

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GO TONY!!!!!!!!!!! # 20!!!

I got on the donor registry several years ago. Right away I was contacted about being a potential donor, but after the second set of tests I wasn't contacted again. Now that I've reached 60, I think they've taken me off the list. I'm still at the same address, etc., but haven't had a registry newsletter since I turned 60.

Guess they think my marrow is too old. I do continue to donate blood, so at least I'm doing some good.

Thank you to everyone who responded. As I said, I am only a potential donor...there are many bridges to cross on the road toward donation. Even at this early stage, it is awesome and amazing to have a glimpse of this unique opportunity. One has to have faith that things will happen as they are meant to. :-)

# If I'm over 60, why can't I join?
# The age limit is not meant to discriminate. The NMDP must use chronological age to determine eligibility to protect the safety of the donor and provide the best possible treatment for the patient. With age comes a small increase in the risk of side effects from anesthesia.