25 Years Old
Profession: Derivatives Trader

I registered with the National Marrow Donor Program in 2001 while in college as part of a drive that was held on campus. I didn't think much of it at the time, and I didn't hear back from the NMDP for a long time. The NMDP tracked me down more that six years later in early 2007 and told me that a child in another country needed a transplant. I was glad to say yes but I was also nervous about the procedure. They asked me some health questions and told me I could donate peripheral blood stem cells. I met with coordinators, doctors, and nurses who all make sure that both the patient and recipient are never at risk from the donation.

The donation took place after five days of receiving filgrastim injections. The side effects I felt were bone pain and tiredness. It was similar to being sore after physical activity. On the fifth day I went through an apheresis where blood is drawn out of one arm, sent through a machine that separates the stem cells, and returned back through the other arm. It ended up being very simple, and all the side effects of the injections wane hours after the collection.

I was told very little about the recipient because he was in another country. I do know that he received the transplant, but I will most likely not know the outcome of the procedure.

I would encourage everyone to become a part of the registry because it’s a rare opportunity to help another person. From the outside the procedure seems intimidating, but its nothing compared to what a recipient goes through. Also the NMDP is full of wonderful people that always have your best interests at heart. If I was asked to donate again I would not hesitate to say yes.

33yrs old female
Profession: Pharmacologist.

I became involved with Team in Training and the Leukemia&Lymphoma Society in January 2006 as a participant in their marathon training program. I was typed at a LLS event in April 2006 and found out I was a match in January 2007. When the donor specialist from the National Marrow Donor Program asked me my thoughts about donating my stem cells and/or bone marrow, I didn't even allow her to finish her sentence and immediately said, YES! I asked if we could expedite the procedure ASAP because I understood what stem cells/bone marrow mean to a recipient.

I underwent physical examinations and various blood tests at Stanford Medical Center for a few weeks. At the end, I was given the green light to donate. I was given the drug, Neupogen(Filgrastim) for five days followed by the collection process on the fifth day. Neupogen is given via injections in the arm(at least that's where I got them) and mobilizes stem cells. On March 5, 2007 I underwent a two day procedure to collect my stem cells. The only side effect I experienced was bone pain and headaches, which is nothing compared to what the patient experiences.

The recipient is a 54 year old East Indian woman with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and had her transplant a few days after I donated. She has responded to the donation and I'm praying she continues to do so. I don't know her and that doesn't matter, I'm at peace with knowing that she has a fighting chance.

This experience has made me look at life differently. I was asked by numerous people if my recipient or another patient needed stem cells or bone marrow, would I do it again. My response was and is, of course! It is a privilege to be able to help another human being and besides it is only blood.

I have continued my involvement with Team in Training/Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and run marathons(I know I am crazy!) with hopes of finding a cure for Leukemia and other blood disorders.

28 year old femaile
Married
Profession: Manager Radiology (Hospital Administrator)

Poonam, a 28 year old from the greater Chicago area attended a Young Jains of America Convention in Los Angeles in the summer of 2001 where she registered to be a COMMITED Bone Marrow donor.

She anxiously waited for years to hear back from the National Donor Marrow Program (NMDP). But, it was not until June of 2006 and “neck deep in wedding planning”, that Poonam received that fateful call that would forever change her life.

She was informed that she was a match for a 47 year old male. She was “overcome with emotions and couldn't believe that she could possibly have the opportunity to save someone's life”. She juggled work and wedding activities, but realized the importance of LIFE and in her words, “the thought of backing-out NEVER crossed my mind”. She donated her stem cells successfully using the Peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC), and described the process as being, “a bit more tired than usual but nothing that caused me to change my daily routine.”

Poonam, being of 5 foot stature and a petite frame, was eager to hear from the recipient of her Bone Marrow. Her wish was granted when she received a card that read, “thank you for being my saving angel”. In her modesty Poonam felt that he (the recipient) was her angel. Poonam is now married and has a successful career as a hospital administrator and continues to volunteer at bone marrow drives and stated, “I would donate again if the chance came.”

38 year old male
Married with 2 children
Profession : Engineer

Harish is a married engineer with 2 children. He and his wife both registered at a bone marrow drive in August of 2000. He anxiously waited many years until in the winter of 2006, when he received a phone indicating he was a potential donor for an unrelated patient.

Without a second thought he immediately gave his consent for a confirmatory blood test. After sometime it was confirmed that he was indeed a match and in April of 2007 and with the unwavering support of his wife, he consented to the life saving procedure. Harish also donated his stem cells successfully using the Peripheral Blood Stem Cell collection (PBSC) process. He described the hormone injections (Neupogen) as causing “some bodyaches, and felt tired for couple of days”.

He encourages potential donors by saying that, “for a few days of a little pain you can give the gift of life” He pleads to “please do it(become a donor) and I am glad I was gifted to save someone’s life”. Today Harish frequently volunteers at bone marrow drives and continues his life as a husband, father, and engineer.