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.
Julia I gave blood one time and while at the clinic someone asked me whether I would allow them to take a sample for the NMDP. I thought nothing of it at the time.
The next spring, I was contacted by the NMDP and told I was a potential match for someone; would I be willing to make an additional donation. OF COURSE! I was thrilled that i could be a potential match for someone in need! I knew nothing about the person who would receive my donation. I remember the representatives at the clinic assuring me that the person was in dire need. I remember thinking, "I trust you. You don't have to work so hard to convince me." My recipient didn't need marrow but I still had the blood stem cells he needed.
The process moved along and during the week of the collection I had to get injections to induce stem cell reproduction. This would give me recipient the best possible chance. My stem cells were extracted over two days. There were some unpleasant moments, but I kept my eye on the prize. If I could offer someone even one more day it was worth it.
I was lucky enough to meet my recipient in July 2006; an incredible young man with a fantastic family!
There was never any question as to whether I would donate. It was just a matter of time and if needed again, my answer would be the same. My feeling is it's not really about me. It's about my recipient. If my message can encourage someone else to donate, then I will tell my story.
Dinesh
To donate or not to donate was my dilemma when I got a call from Roop Kour Jyot, a SAMAR coordinator in fall of 2007, notifying me that they found a match with my blood type with a leukemia patient and asking me if I’m ready for donation. Many years before that, I had registered into NMDP registry at a donor drive sponsored by SAMAR. When the call came, I hesitated as I was more concerned about my own health then the patient. I consulted couple of my doctor friends and they assured me that there is no risk to my health. They encouraged me to donate because there is shortage of Asian registered donors.
I agreed to proceed and went ahead with the process leading up to stem cell donation in March 2008. Through out the process, SAMAR and HLA Registry volunteers provided all the relevant information, support and facilitated whole process. I had minor side effects but nothing serious. My family and friends were all supportive and I recovered in short period of time. Minor discomfort and inconveniences are small price to pay compared to potential benefit of saving someone’s life. It was an enriching experience for me. I encourage everyone and anyone to register into NMDP program.
Dinesh is systems consultant and lives in NJ with wife and two sons. He can be reached at dshah_01@yahoo.com.
Marcos
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
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."
Joe
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!"
Vikram Patel
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".
Bhupinder I felt wonderful! There was a sense of peace that I had made the right decision.
(Donated marrow in Dec '96)
Harish
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)
Rikender
This is the perfect opportunity for saving someone's life. Not very often one has this chance.
(Donated marrow in 1997)
It is important for donors to keep their information updated. If you need to update your information, please visit the NMDP website.
If you are contacted by SAMAR or the NMDP as a potential match for a patient, we urge you to seriously consider being a marrow/blood cell donor. If you have any reservations, please contact SAMAR at 718-592-0821 or samar@samarinfo.org and we can try to answer your questions and concerns. When you are contacted, you hold the key to that patient's life, and to say no without fully being informed would be a terrible mistake. We can even put you in touch with previous donors, so you can hear first hand how the process works and the sense of fulfillment that each donor feels. Of course we understand that various extraneous complications might deter you from donating. But, we want you to be well informed before you make a decision. After all, you can provide that patient with hope and a second chance at life.
