When I was in high school a friend of mine talked me into donating blood with her. She was very passionate about it. I reluctantly agreed and allowed them to take my one pint of blood. The best part was drinking OJ and having a cookie afterwards. We did this every three months together. It was just something we did without even thinking about it. We had it on our school calendars and would meet after school and head on over to the blood bank.
I even continued to donate blood while in college. Every three months. This is where I was asked if I wanted to be registered to be a bone marrow donor. After reading the information I said, "Why not?" So in 1994 I registered to be a bone marrow donor.
Fast forward 18 years.
While helping the boys with homework a few weeks ago I got a phone call from a number that I didn't recognize. Normally I would let this go through to voicemail, but for some reason I answered it. A very nice lady on the other end said, "Hello Mrs. O'Donnell, I am Linda with the National Marrow Donor Program and you are a 'potential' match. Do you remember registering for the Donor Program back in 1994?" Uhh....
Yes. I do remember but I truly thought that it was like the lottery. My "number" would NEVER be picked. Right? Wrong! My number was picked??? My number was picked!!!!!
The very nice Linda sent me some information via email and some forms to send back to her. She told me that it could take up to 60 days to find out if I am a "true match" for this gentleman who is in need of a bone marrow transplant.
Sixty days to wait. I was surprised that I was so panicky. I felt so much pressure. It is like I didn't want to fail this ultimate test. Of course I was going to go through with it if I am a true match, but....wow! There is a person out there that I have never met before that my bone marrow could possible save his life. That is a lot to take in.
Well, I have been (not so) patiently waiting for my letter to come in the mail. It came. And, yes, I am a true match! I am a true match!!! I cannot believe it. I am a true match....
The letter states that the gentleman that will need my bone marrow is not ready for the procedure yet, but I will be contacted once he is ready.
I will be giving my bone marrow many pep talks in the next few days/weeks/months...however long it takes. I am still in a little shock over this. I guess I always new I had potential...
