One of my most vivid memories of childhood is of me at six years old. I was running helter-skelter down the narrow hallway of our local clinic in my underwear, screaming, “bloody murder!” My Momma and Dr. Lancaster (with a syringe in his hand that looked five foot long) chased me. He was going to give me a “shot,” and people, I didn’t want a shot in the butt.
I don’t like needles! I didn’t then, and I don’t like them now. I avoid them at all costs, and have been known to cry or faint when a syringe is pointed in my direction. I’m a big sissy.
So, why in the heck have I willingly made an appointment at Carter Blood Bank to have a needle stuck in my arm next Monday? Here’s why:
This adorable young man is Taten Court, and he is a Young Warrior. At twelve years old, he is battling with leukemia. For months now, he has waited for a match for a bone marrow donor. It isn’t easy to find a match for his blood proteins, because Taten is Cree/Caucasian. His grandmother, Matty at Running on Empty, says he shares that trait with only 1% of possible bone marrow donors worldwide. That’s not his natural hair, by the way.
A few minutes ago, I asked Matty for permission to use Taten’s photo. She tells me that “his platelets are down to 23 this week….so next week that means blood & platelet transfusions.” He needs to find a match, so help to spread the word won’t you?
Will I be a match?
I sincerely doubt it. I’m mostly Scots-Irish. Momma said there is Native American blood on her side of the family. She always said we were the Blackfoot tribe, but that’s just because we wouldn’t wear shoes in the summer. Perhaps Momma had it wrong and we are really Cree. Probably not. But, I’m going to go to the blood bank, because there are other young people like Taten who are waiting. Maybe I can help.
Maybe, even you can help.
I was disappointed to discover that to be tested to see if I was a match would cost $52! Wait a minute! I’m willing to donate! I’m going to let someone poke me with a needle! Could this be why there are so many people waiting to find a donor match? There should be a better way.
Ah, but there is a way around it. I’m going to see if I am a match to donate platelets. If I donate platelets twice (I have to wait two weeks between donations), I don’t have to pay $52, that I don’t have, for a bone marrow test; they will test for free. Donating platelets isn’t much different from donating blood, from what they told me. Except that it takes longer. I will have to sit still for 45 minutes to 2 hours. I don’t know if that’s possible for me, but I’ll give it a shot (so to speak). Can anyone suggest a good book to read?
So, what next? What happens if my blood proteins match a potential recipient and I can donate? Well, according to the Mayo Clinic site, it usually doesn’t involve minor surgery as it did many years ago. I doubt that it will be comfortable, but I’m a big girl and can handle it.
I think.
Am I scared of being stuck in the arm? You betcha. The very thought of getting stuck is making me lightheaded as I write. I wish they had let me come in today so I wouldn’t have to think about it. But, Taten, if you read this know something: I’ll be taking your picture with me when I go down to the blood bank next Monday. When I get the urge to cry or faint, I’ll look at your big grin and remember how brave you are. I’ll be strong.
I promise I won’t go running down the hall in my underwear screaming, “bloody murder.”
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I hate giving blood; I did it enough as a kid when I had a blood disorder. So now I’m pretty much disqualified from being a blood donor…not that I’m complaining too terribly much. But I wish I could be on the bone marrow transplant list. My college roommate’s youngest brother died a few years ago and I couldn’t donate.
Thank you for facing your fears and still doing this.
jen’s last blog post..Someday it will all make sense
Good for you, it’s not so bad. I used to give blood too when I was younger but can’t any more. My father had leukemia and I have some blood platelet issues from time to time so I can’t be a donor. I am so sorry for Matty’s grandson…ciao
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Good for you, Shelly! I’ve been a regular blood donor since I’ve been 17 years old! It’s really so easy and saves so many lives! Just don’t look and you’ll be fine!
I volunteered to be tested for bone marrow, but would you believe they told me no. They said they really need minorities and racially mixed people and were just not interested in my caucasian-ness. I think that’s terrible. Who knows who you could be a match for????
I donate platelets when I can, too. Sometimes I just don’t have the time to stay at the donation center that long.
Jessica The Rock Chick’s last blog post..Stand By Your Man
I had no idea that they charged you to try and match you as a donor! They don’t charge you for donating blood, and they have to run tests on it before it hits the blood banks.
Interesting that Jessica said they didn’t want her for Caucasian bone marrow testing.
I’ll hold out positive thoughts that Taten finds a match.
kacey’s last blog post..First Signs of Spring
I’m already in the registry, so sadly I already know that I’m not a match for Taten. I sure hope he finds one though.
Robin’s last blog post..The Ever-Shifting Canvas
Wow! What a post!
)
I tried to give blood twice. They always turned me down because my iron levels were low… maybe I should load up on steaks and spinach and go back?
Good luck to Taten, hopefully the donor will be found soon!
I gave blood at work twice years ago, but the last time I was brought to my knees afterward and the nurse told me not to try it again.
You rock, you know that! (We certainly do!)
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we must give blood