MDS – a disease you can fight

A very different topic today on the blog. No pictures of pastries or new garden delights. I have some friends who have a son that is fighting this disease – MDS. The link will take you to a site where you can get an immense amount of information about this disease, but I want to offer you a punchline first: by registering, getting a kit so that you can swab some cheek cells, get tested and if you are a match – donate some blood. You can save someone’s life. You might be able to save my friend’s life too – but so much more. No bone marrow donation – it’s just a little blood. If you’re a match.

Here’s a bit more information, and I have a link for you at the end.

My friend has developed a condition called MDS. It is a rare Bone Marrow Disease. Currently his MDS is in the precancerous stage, but left untreated it will almost definitely develop into Leukemia. At this time the only cure for MDS is a bone marrow transplant. At present he is working with the doctors at Stanford University and Be The Match to search for donors around the world who are registered. The only criteria is that you have to be between the ages of 18 and 44 to register. We realize that many may not meet the age requirement but we hope you will pass this on to anyone who will. When you join the registry (see info below), they will send you a registration kit to give a swab of cheek cells. They will tissue type the sample you provide and use the results to match you to patients. If you are chosen as a match for our son, the donor only has to give blood instead of using bone marrow and will save his life. The process is completely free. If you are 44 – 61, you can still donate, but the odds become worse and you have to pay to have it done. So if you or anyone you know might want to donate and possibly save a life, please respond using the following info or pass this on… please keep it going. It would be greatly appreciated. Contact Information is bethematch.org or call (800) 627-7692.

I would love for people to get tested. For my friend, for others who need this treatment. I had no idea that it was so easy and non-invasive. I am well aware that it won’t be for everyone, but this is an opportunity to make a difference, be a blessing and maybe even change someone’s life.