How you can help, if inclined!

Hi Friends and Fam.   

Yesterday I finished my 6th and final day of chemo to treat the leukemia. The effects will continue to act on the cancer cells for the next few days, and then we hope to see my blood cell count rising on its own. I'm exhausted, but not in a lot of pain. They tell me I will really be feeling the effects of the chemo over the next few days before I start to feel better. Overall, the treatments have been going as well as can be expected and my nursing staff, doctors, and family have been nothing short of incredible as a support team. 

Many of you have generously asked how you can help. I will say that despite my biggest fear right now is not being able to find a bone marrow match and that is keeping me up at night. My siblings have an increased chance (25%) of being a match, but that is not enough to ease my mind. If you are able, I would be so grateful if you would sign up and register to be tested. You can start this process by visiting www.bethematch.org and joining the bone marrow registry. There is a bit of urgency as the testing takes about 3 weeks to process results and I would be looking to receive a transplant about 4-8 weeks from now. There are some age and health restrictions on who can donate, and all of that information can be found on the website. 

When you join the registry, you will receive a registration kit with instructions in the mail to give a swab of cheek cells. They use the tissue type identified by the sample you provide to match you. If you are interested in being a possible donor, the donation process is explained in detail here. 

The outpouring of support for this has been mind-blowing and I am deeply moved by it all. If you or anyone you know would be inclined to register as a possible donor, I would be so grateful and perhaps my min will start to ease up a bit.

Much love to all.

XX, K