The world is a better place with certain people in it

I know that I've talked about my friend Janet before and that my few followers have read about her before, but I'm going to do it again be she deserves it!

A few months ago, I discussed liver donation with a select few of my friends. Long story short, I did research on living donor liver donation in case the time comes that I can be a donor for someone I love more than life itself. This discussion led to me registering on the state of Texas' donor website and signing up to be a bone marrow donor.

All I had to do was mention that I signed up to be a bone marrow donor, and my select group of friends followed suit and signed up as well. I was amazed at their willingness to do so and reminded of why they are such amazing people and why I love having them in my life.

Janet was contacted and told that she was a "perfect match" for a 10 year old boy suffering from Leukemia. There are 6 antigens that you are tested for and matched to bone marrow "needers". Being a perfect match means that you matched the recipient on all 6 antigens. Being a perfect match is rare, but gives more likelihood of success to the recipient. Survival rates after a bone marrow transplant are between 30 and 60%. Survival rates without a bone marrow transplant are 15% and below.

Janet is of course nervous about the whole donation process, but is charging forward and almost completely decided that she will donate bone marrow to hopefully save this child's life.

We need more selfless people in this world. We need people who can look at the situation and think "I can save someone's life by donating a small part of me that isn't necessary for my survival"

My life is better because I have Janet as a friend. The 10 year old boy's life will be better because a stranger is giving him the greatest gift she can.

"Man can never be woman's equal in the spirit of selfless service, with which nature has endowed her"
Mohandas Gandhi

If you would like to sign up to be a bone marrow donor, or to register with the state of Texas, you can visit this website and this website.