From: MYELOMA Multiple Myeloma Support List [mailto:MYELOMA@LISTSERV.ACOR.ORG] On Behalf Of Andy Long Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 12:26 AM To: MYELOMA@LISTSERV.ACOR.ORG Subject: [MM] Bone Marrow donation in loving memory of my father, Cliff Long Hi folks, Just wanted to share something neat: when my dad came down with MM in 1995, I signed up with the Bone Marrow registry. And while my dad never was considered for a transplant, and died three years back after a great seven years post-diagnosis, I've maintained my listing. A few months ago I heard that I was the best match for a fellow with leukemia. I'm a few days into neupogen in preparation for a Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant. Thursday I get my blood centrifuged, so that some guy I don't know will have a better chance at survival. It's neat that I'm taking the same drug that my dad did, only in order to convince my body to slough off stem cells that can be used to try to give someone else a fresh start. I'm experiencing a little bone pain, as was expected, and I'm also taking that in stride, realizing that my dad had it much worse. It's a neat kind of reconnection with my father. I wish that we could have saved my dad, but it's great to get a chance to give someone else a better shot at life. Keep someone who's getting their marrow obliterated in your thoughts and prayers, and encourage your friends and family to sign up with the National Marrow Donor Program: http://www.marrow.org/NMDP/registry.html The life we save may be your own! Best wishes to you all, Andy
Here are some of the responses:
Dear Andy-- You're a hero. In books you read about characters that transform loss into glory. You're doing it. Hats off to you. regards, cweg potomac, maryland
Andy, that's a wonderful story. Thanks for being so generous. The world needs more people like you! :-) Barb Ontario, Canada
Dear Andy: I'm happy and proud to know you! Another MMer who gets inspiration from letters like yours. Love and hugs, Ann in Fort Lauderdale, old enough to be your Grandma prob'ly!
Andy, what you are doing is so much more than just "neat". I think it is one of the most important things a person can do for another person. You may be saving a life. How many of us have the opportunity during our short lifetimes to be able to do that? Thank you so much for sending a note to the MM list letting us know of your donation. People such as yourself make the world a wonderful place to inhabit. In awe and with much respect, Jana in AZ
Hi Andy, nice to hear from you again! And what a great piece of news you have....... I hope all goes well with your collection and that they are able to collect squillions of stem cells for your match. If I didn't have MM I would sign up instantly - I have been through the harvest process and I would willingly do it for somebody else. Well done for staying on the register; Very best wishes to you and your family, Chris from New Zealand Chris Hollyer chris@mmsupport.net MMA homepage: www.webspawner.com/users/myelomaexchange/ IMF homepage: www.myeloma.org
GOD BLESS! What a wonderful testament to the Father you loved. Carol ~
bravo, Andy.....that is the ultimate in altruism!! All the best, Cindy
Wow! What an amazing way for you to honor your Dad! I am inspired and challenged by your act of love....and I will follow your link to the registry in honor of my own Dad. He is on day 3 of his autologous stem cell transplant at Barnes hospital in St Louis......tomorrow is Day 0 when he gets his stem cells infused. Thanks for sharing your story. Warmest regards, Lisa
Andy, What a beautiful thing you are doing, and I'm sure your father is glowing with pride from up above. I too am on the Bone Marrow Donor Program but ironically I did this years before MM was even a word I had ever heard of. Now that my mother is a angel in Heaven, maybe she will make me a match with someone who is in need. Thanks for the smile you put on my face today. Sincerely, Danyel, loving daughter of Linda in Heaven
Hi Andy,
What a wonderful thing to do! You are giving another person hope, and a
chance at life. There is no better gift. Today, you are at the center of the
circle of life!
When my siblings were tested for match, my sister also listed on the
registry, at her expense. While she did not match me, she felt she may match
someone who needs a transplant. Special people do special things.
Peace and Life,
Hal
Your dad is so proud of you, as are countless people here on earth who applaud your efforts. What a very special thing to do. Hang in there, BoogieBarb
Andy, Hope your reciepient has a long and fulling life. Hope you do too. What a great gift. Steve
Hi Andy! My brother-in-law, Larry, will be having a bone marrow transplant for leukemia on July 21. His donor has just started doing the things he needs to do for the transplant. Larry will be at M. D. Anderson in Houston. I just want to give you a perspective from a recipient's family. We are soooo grateful for the donor. I don't even know how to express this, the gratitude is so huge. Larry's donor is a perfect match, which makes that donor the most likely person in the world to be able to save his life. We love Larry, and the thought of losing him is heartbreakingly painful. Words don't exist that could thank the donor for his care and help. But you know this because of your Dad's disease and death. However, I have no doubts that, if your recipient's family could talk to you, they would worship at your feet for what you are doing. Anyone who would go through a BMT really, really, really wants to live. Thank you for giving someone that opportunity. Sherry Shedenhelm