Posted by redflamephoenix on Wed 29 Sep 10, 6:19 PM to redflamephoenix's blog.
Tags: Birmingham (B)
Well I got home from work today to a letter I never expected to get. In the 7 years I've been signed up, I've never expected to get a letter like the one that was waiting on my mat today...
"Dear Miss .....
You are registered as a Bone Marrow Donor and have been selected as a potential match with a patient who is in need of a transplant."
Oh. My. God.
It's exciting, but a bit scary too. I've got to have a chat with the registry co-ordinator for a health check, and then have more tests to see if I'm a tissue match with the patient, and then we'll take it from there.
The thought that I could save a life in such a more personal way than giving blood (which I do anyway), is amazing, if slightly scary.
I'll be calling the registry co-ordinator tomorrow, but man am I excited and scared all at once.
My mum said "ooooh, it'll be painful", but to be honest, the pain I'll go through potentially won't be a patch on the physical and emotional suffering that the poor bugger who needs the transplant and their family has gone through.
Wish me luck!
| 29 Sep 10, 6:22 PM Praes_girl UK(WV), 5 yrs   |
That is pretty amazing, wishing you lots of luck  | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:25 PM redflamephoenix 5 yrs |
Thanks. Even though I signed up knowing that a letter like this might land on my doorstep, I never thought I'd get one.
Amazing isn't the word! The people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind don't matter! | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:32 PM Dark_Cherry UK(B), 2 yrs     |
You are an inspiration. I give blood, I am on the national donor register, but not this. Post a link if you have one, would be something I'd consider doing. Sometimes the stillness of the night is the best music of all... | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:32 PM MzClio UK(CF), 3 yrs      |
I donated plasma once because I had the 99.% match of someone who required it. I also donate blood on a regular basis.. Defiled is my name full sore Through cruel spite and false report That I may say for evermore Fairwell to joy, adieu comfort For wrongfully ye judge of me Unto my fame a mortal wound Say what ye list, it may not be Ye seek for that shall not be found.. Anne Boleyn ...... Taking no prisoners at the moment | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:37 PM redflamephoenix 5 yrs |
Aw thankyou! The register is accessable via www.blood.co.uk then follow the prompts to the bone marrow thing. You need to tell them you want to be on the register and they'll take an extra vial of blood. I keep re-reading the letter..... The people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind don't matter! | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:38 PM Unabated_Interest1 UK(PR), 2 yrs |
Good luck, this is a wonderful thing to do I'd give blood (and anything else needed), but unfortunately I'm not allowed by law :S
But anyway, as i say good luck, and hope it all goes well When it's good it's really good, when it's bad I go to pieces Edited 29 Sep 10, 6:39 PM by Unabated_Interest1 | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:38 PM redflamephoenix 5 yrs |
It's a fabulous thing to do - more people should do it! Not only do you help others, but you get a free cuppa and a biscuit and occasionally a pressie for donating blood! I'm just gutted that if I am a match, I'll never know who they are. Oh well, at least I'll know that I helped someone who needed it.... The people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind don't matter! | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:39 PM redflamephoenix 5 yrs |
That sucks, but some people can't unfortunately. Which is why it's really important that people who can donate, do donate. Especially people in ethnic minority groups.
Thanks for the luck wishes - I'm sure I'll keep people posted The people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind don't matter! | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:41 PM MzClio UK(CF), 3 yrs |
Yes for my 100th donation I got a cut glass bowl with a lovely inscription...currentley on 106 in aprox 11 weeks time.. Defiled is my name full sore Through cruel spite and false report That I may say for evermore Fairwell to joy, adieu comfort For wrongfully ye judge of me Unto my fame a mortal wound Say what ye list, it may not be Ye seek for that shall not be found.. Anne Boleyn ...... Taking no prisoners at the moment | |
| 29 Sep 10, 6:48 PM redflamephoenix 5 yrs |
Wow!
My great-aunt got to 150 donations and went to a special award ceremony thingy. But to be fair, it's enough giving blood without the pressies when you think about what it does to help The people who matter won't mind, and the people who mind don't matter! |
