This is the theme for the Bone Marrow Registry Event First Presbyterian Church is co-sponsoring with United Church of Christ, East Goshen to be held on Wednesday, March 28 from 4-7 pm in the Herron Lounge. We all have the opportunity to bless others, whether as a donor or a contributor. The Bone Marrow Registry (also known as “Be the Match”) provides life-saving marrow transplants to terminally ill leukemia and lymphoma patients. There are currently about 10,000 persons in the U.S. awaiting marrow transplants.

To be a donor, you must be in good general health and between the ages of 18 and 60. The process is simple: you will fill out a brief medical questionnaire and then swab your own cheek. The cells from the swab will be analyzed to determine the genetic typing. The processing of this is expensive (about $100 per person). Donors are not asked to cover this expense. Those of us who do not meet the age criteria can still be a blessing by donating funds for the processing of the donors’ DNA.

If you qualify as a donor and your DNA matches someone in need (one chance in 540), the process of donating is simple; 75% of donations are made by removing blood from the arm. The packed red blood cells are removed by machine and the blood is returned to your other arm. The less common method  involves aspirating marrow from the pelvis of the donor under anesthesia.

For those who wish to donate financially, we will have a “Blessing Tree” which will have on its branches palm frond crosses made by the children. Each cross will have a tag with a different amount of money which can be donated to this cause. You may purchase a cross for the amount listed. Then each cross that is purchased will be replaced by a green leaf and when we meet our goal, the tree will have burst into bloom.  

We are doing this drive in honor of Pat Ethier, a friend in Michigan who is currently undergoing a transplant for acute leukemia and for whom Be the Match  has found a donor. Please pray for her.