National Marrow Donor Program

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Member Update

   REGISTRY MEMBER E-NEWS                                     JUNE 2010
Why haven't I been called to donate?

Craig Ruhoff Craig donated 4 months after joining - Craig's story >

Linda Linda donated 9 years after joining - Linda's story >
A follow-up to Craig Ruhoff’s donor story

We received hundreds of calls and e-mails responding  to last month’s story about Craig Ruhoff, who donated only four months after  joining Be The Match Registry®. Many of you asked questions like these:

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 “I’ve been on the list to be a donor for more than 11 years. I’d like to know why I haven’t been a match yet.”

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 “I just want to check to make sure that I am still listed.  What are the odds of me being called?”

The answer is this: Unfortunately we can’t predict when - or whether - any individual will be asked to donate. You could be a match for a patient tomorrow, or many years after joining, or you may never be a match.  A patient's body will only accept marrow that closely matches the patient, and the system of markers being matched for transplant is much more complex than a blood type.

The important thing is that you’re committed and available if a patient needs you. Please be sure to keep your contact information updated on the registry so we can find you if you are a match.

If you want to do more today, there are many ways you can help patients, from giving a financial contribution to spreading the word about Be The Match.

Vote to help kids get transplants
Pepsi, NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation® are teaming up in a race to win $100,000 to help children in need of transplant.

You can help children battling leukemia and lymphoma receive the marrow transplant they need. All it takes is your vote for Jimmie Johnson in the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Vote for NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Be The Match Foundation’s Transplant Grants for Kids.

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 Find out more about the Pepsi Refresh Project NASCAR challenge

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 Post the Pepsi Refresh VOTE badge on your Facebook page or other website and encourage your friends to vote

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 Vote again! You can vote as often as you want each day through June 23.

Shaq's message on the airwaves
Shaq

Have you seen it yet? Our public service announcement featuring Shaquille O’Neal is now showing on TV in selected cities and sports networks nationwide. See it on YouTube.

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12312 JUNE 2010

 

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Great news: Matthew found his match
Matthew
Matthew received a transplant

A year ago in this newsletter, we shared the story of Matthew’s search for a donor. We’re pleased to report he received his transplant last fall. As he recovers, he continues to recruit more Vietnamese Americans like himself to join the Be The Match Registry. His story>

2nd Marian Days donor registry drive

Marian Days is the largest annual gathering of Vietnamese Catholics in the United States. Last year, 2,000 people joined the registry at the event. We are hoping for similar success this year. Matthew hopes to be there to help.

Volunteers needed 
We need help with the marrow donor drive at Marian Days, Aug. 5-8, in Carthage, Mo. (bilingual Vietnamese speakers especially needed). To volunteer, contact Ted Nguyen.

Spread the word - win $100,000 to help kids

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Recent Coverage

(it) magazine - Read the story about what started the donor registry and more 

The Washington Post - Multiracial patients struggle to find donors

Extra TV - Swayze's wife serves as a patient advocate

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