free marrow donation drive through 5/21

[My3sonsplus1]

I have never registered to be on the bone marrow donor list because it costs $52 to register yourself to donate if you are a "non minority" (if you are considered a minority it is always free to register), anyway they are having a drive through the 21st that anyone regardless of ethnic background can register for free!

Just go to: www.marrow.org if you are interested and they will send you a kit. It is a simple cheek swab to register.

[Lorah]

Thats cool!

I have heard that it hurts like hell to donate? Is that true?

[LMS]

yeah, the most painful donation you can make. They drain the marrow through a large needle (similar to epi) in your hipbone.

[My3sonsplus1]

I dunno. I have heard that though from my ex-bf who says he donated but he is a habitual liar so who knows if he did... but if I can save a life I think I'd be willing to endure it. I did childbirth 4 times w/o meds so I am not a stranger to pain in general. I guess there are two ways to donate, through the hip bone way (traditional way) or taking a 5 day dose of drugs and then doing a blood draw similiar to a dialisys machine.

[My3sonsplus1]

have you donated Jackie or just know about it?

[LMS]

i personally haven't, but several family members have. I couldn't do it. I have a serious phobia of needles and i'd pass out.

[Lorah]

I am totally a wimp with needles too! I had natural childbirth too....I wouldn't even let them put in an IV. I did fine with no drugs, but I think pain from a needle into my hipbone would seriously disturb me!

[Kellie_MO5]

cool, thanks Lisa! Odd how they normally charge a person to sign up to donate something that could save a life...

[KaisaG]

Thanks for the link Lisa. I have always wanted to do it too... but I think I am going to run it by my sis (in med school) before I sign up now.