One of my "best friends" of over 30 years sent this out... it made me cry!

May 12, 2008 10:04:58 AMSubject: Consider this...
I admit it. Two months ago, joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry was the furthest thing from my mind. Did I know there where children out there needed bone marrow transplants? Yes. Did I know anyone personally? No. And there you have it, basic human reasoning. If it is not important to me or someone close to me, what does it matter?...

Then, my "adopted sister" Heather called me with news that changed our world. Jaden, her 10 year old son, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia- the "good" kind to have, if you are going to have Leukemia - so the doctors said. They started treatment, chemo and steroids, etc. and gave him a good prognosis. Then, they found out Jaden has the "Philadelphia Chromosome", which changes his whole treatment course and prognosis. He now needs a bone marrow transplant to get rid of the Philadelphia Chromosome which will not allow his body to stay in remission.

No one in their family was a match for Jaden. They registered Jaden on the National Marrow Donor Program registry and have to wait for someone who matches Jaden's marrow to register. So, here I am doing my part. I'm reaching out to my family, friends and more, hoping to pass the word on about the National Marrow Program registry. You can literally be the only key to saving a life. All you have to do to register is visit the website below, submit for a kit to be mailed to you, swab your cheek when it comes, and mail it back to the registry in a postage paid envelope. Registering is easier than giving blood, or even money. During 05/05/08-05/19/08- the first 10,000 kits are free. There is normally a fee associated with registering.

A couple of quick FYI's I didn't know. 1) Only about 1 in 200 people who register actually become donors. 2) You would be under general anesthitia during a marrow collection. It is not painful to harvest bone marrow. 3) Donors are not responsible for any medical expenses. I found this information on the website below.

I can't tell you how it just reaches in and tears at your heart to see a child so sick. Some of you have been through it and know. All you want to do is take it away and make them well again. There is someone out there who can take it away for Jaden. And it will only happen if that person registers. It could be anyone reading this email. Maybe you aren't "the one" for Jaden. Maybe you will be the one for another child. I'm sure that child and that child's family will be just as grateful as Jaden's family would be for your willingness to give them another chance at life.

http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/Join_Now_Special/TM/tm08_join_now.html

Will you please consider forwarding this email to anyone you think would be wiling to register?

Thank-you for your time,

Janey

NOTE: Tomorrow we go back to the Ronald McDonald house, and Wed. Jaden is admitted again for his 2nd consolidation. We went on base this morning to see Major Wolf, and get Jaden's blood drawn for lab. So far... so good. We will have results tonight. After he gets his spinal tap (Wed.), and his marrow pull... we will know his molecular level of the cancer. We will keep you updated... Keep praying!!!

Also; keep praying for Greg and his work situation. He is worried about his soldiers, pack, and command. He feels major guilt, and stress over not being with them! This is a hard time for him, and now they are moving him off to another unit. He feels put out to pasture "so to speak". I think he feels like 18 years of duty, and never missing a day... Army first 24-7!! Now he feels like none of it made any difference. We all know that isn't true... Greg is a wonderful NCO! For the first time in 18 years, his family is first. I know it is hard for him to shift his responsibilities in this way, but it isn't every day your kid has a terminal illness... who wouldn't do this? He is still all Army!! LOL! So, please pray that whoever is making the decisions... is doing so with God leading him/her! As always; please continue to pray for our men and ladies who are deployed!!!
Thanks!
Love in Christ
Heather