I hope this message finds you well. Last night, as I prepared for bed, I took a moment to check my social media. What I encountered was heartbreaking. My neighbor’s young son, Alex, just 5 years old, has had a relapse of AML, a severe form of leukemia, after spending the previous year in and out of the hospital. He will have to undergo chemotherapy again and may require a second bone marrow transplant. My heart ached at the thought.
Just last week, I watched Alex joyfully play with my own children; he is the same little boy who shares his toys with my younger kids, who are still learning to share. I remember his excitement when he learned to ride a bike a few months ago, and now he faces yet another battle in the hospital.
This time, his parents are all too aware of what lies ahead. They understand the long hours they will spend apart from their other son and the pain Alex will endure during medical procedures. They know the fear that will wash over him as he faces the treatments, knowing they will make him feel worse before he feels better. Yet, they continue to fight bravely.
As a mother, I felt entirely helpless. In my work as a social worker, I have supported numerous families facing similar situations, but never have I had to witness a close friend’s child endure such trials. I wanted to help in some meaningful way.
While I could offer to mow their lawn or watch their younger son, those solutions felt inadequate. I can prepare meals or lend a listening ear, but it seemed so trivial in the face of such a significant struggle.
Then I had a thought that might help not just Alex but many others. I urge you to consider becoming a bone marrow donor. Before my first child was born, I registered as a donor myself. I realized that if my family ever needed a match, I wanted to do my part to ensure one was available. Although I have not yet been matched, I am grateful to know that my information is part of a system that could save lives.
Imagine if everyone who reads this letter took the step to register as a donor. If each of us also shared information about bone marrow donation with our friends, we could dramatically increase the donor pool and ultimately save numerous lives.
Becoming a donor is a straightforward process. Simply visit bethematch.org, request a kit, and follow the instructions to swab your cheek at home. Once you send it back, you’ll be added to a list where you could potentially save someone’s life. How easy is that?
As mothers, we have the power to make a difference not only for our children but for others like Alex. If age or health prevents you from registering, please share this information with others who can.
We may not be able to help children like Alex directly, but we can contribute to a cause that has the potential to save lives. I encourage you to register as a bone marrow donor; it may be the most impactful decision you make.
Thank you for considering this option. Together, we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Jessica Thompson
Summary
This article encourages mothers to take action by registering as bone marrow donors to help children like Alex, a 5-year-old battling leukemia. By sharing information and increasing the donor pool, we can make a significant impact on the lives of families facing similar challenges. Registration is simple and could potentially save lives.
Keyphrase
bone marrow donor registration
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Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”