Angels of Mercy :: SAMAR :: South Asian Marrow Association of Recruiters

South Asian Marrow Association of Recruiters

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The chances of finding a match have improved in the past few years but still there are several minority patients who need a match.
Large number of donors from the same race increase the chance of a patient finding a match for a life-saving marrow transplant.

Together, we can HELP BRING A SMILE BACK TO LIFE.

Sometimes it is easier to understand the reality of a situation when you hear the story from the real life perspective. It is easier to see the heart of a person when they share their thoughts and take you on a journey through their experience. These stories bring to life some of the human realities of dealing with a life-threatening illness or donating to help a stranger. Both patients and donors are often unsung heroes who silently champion their cause. Read these excerpts and articles and see just a little bit into the life of the courageous.
		Marcos signed up for the NMDP registry in 2000 at a registration drive conducted by SAMAR at Princeton University. When he was contacted six years later to become a marrow donor, he did not hesitate for a moment. After donating, Marcos told SAMAR that "it all started when you contacted me, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to give a [person] a chance at a longer life." He also adds that he hopes "many people would [do] the same if they found themselves in [his] position." SAMAR would like to thank Marcos for his selfless act and wish the patient all the best during their recovery.
		Hemish was recruited by SAMAR to give a sample of his blood for marrow donation. He was put in the National Registry and in 1998 he was contacted because his marrow type matched with a patient. That lucky patient was me. Thanks to Hemish I was able to have a marrow transplant to treat my leukemia. Hemish's donation has given me another chance at life. Hemish said "It's just a matter of certain happiness and sense of fulfillment knowing that you helped someone else out. It's a fantastic experience." - Nidha
		Sultan met his super hero Detective Joe and said " I am very happy to see you, to know you and have your marrow. I love you Joe. Joe you are my angel". Joe embracing sultan said " I love you too...I feel like a blessed man to meet the little boy who is courageous and it is like I have another son!"
		It's amazing ..this is the first time two unrelated people with the same last name have matched. Patel meets Patel for the first time a year after the transplant. "Always keep hope, there is someone who is going to help you. It has given me a new outlook in life" says Jay Patel. His donor Vikram Patel said " He was happy being a marrow donor because it saved a young boy's life. People in the community should come forward to donate this precious gift of life".
		I had signed up with the Marrow Donor Program at the 2002 NetIP Conference in Boston. Earlier this year I came up as a match for a baby, and I donated stem cells on August 14th of this year in San Antonio. I haven't heard how things went for the recipient, but everything went very smoothly from my end. I did receive a nice card in the mail from the recipient's family which was forwarded to me.
		I felt wonderful! There was a sense of peace that I had made the right decision. (Donated marrow in Dec '96) - Bhupinder
		This event in my life has made me so happy; I pray to God that I be granted an opportunity to do this again every year. (Donated marrow in Spring '00) - Harish
		This is the perfect opportunity for saving someone's life. Not very often one has this chance. (Donated marrow in 1997) - Rikender
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SAMAR
55-13 96th St. Rego Park
NY 11368
Tel: (718) 592-0821
Fax: (718) 592-5848

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