donors and patience

Two of my wonderful former co-workers have undergone some pretty amazing feats of medical activity in the past short while. They are so amazing and I felt the need to share them.

Mark had a bone marrow transplant last June. He's now home with his family, almost completely recovered. AMAZING! So wonderful and inspiring, his story, his strugggle, his strength. He's now "in talks" with his donor, which I can't even fathom. Here's the website that he's been using to communicate with all of his fans. You can see for yourself how great things are going for him!

Another co-worker, Gregg, had a kidney transplant just this past Sunday! It was a super last-minute dealy-bobber, but it went well and he is recovering now for the next couple of weeks. (Yes, dealy-bobber IS the technical medical term, actually...) Since this was a fairly recent thing, there aren't a lot of details as Gregg continues to recuperate, but I've heard that he is "doing great!"

As difficult as it is to go through a transplant or other major medical procedure (thankfully I've not had occassion to experience either yet), I am continually amazed at the strength and patience of people in that situation. It's humbling, particularly as someone who has been basically in good health for their whole life. But more than that, it's inspiring. Their grace and gratitude should be an example to us all.

On a related note:
During the period of September 7-22, the National Bone Marrow Registry ONLINE is going to have the $52 fee waived, it will be sponsored by the NASCAR Foundation.
So if you ever thought about it, but were not sure, this is the best time to check out the entire process! Actually, joining online is the easier way to do it, you just fill up a registration form and they sent you a kit containing a cheek swab. It is that simple, no blood test! And then nothing will happen unless there is a specific patient that matches your genetic profile. Only then you will be contacted, and an additional high resolution blood test will be run, to see if that you are indeed a match. Also, at any time during the entire process you have the right to opt-out. If you need more information about the donation process, you can check out this link.