17th of October

Dear Friends,


The time is short and the race in search of a compatible bone marrow donor for Marcelo intensifies. Therefore, we decided to put the step-by-step information necessary for anyone who wants to be a bone marrow donor:

1. Anyone between 18 and 55 years in good health can donate bone marrow. This is taken from inside the hip bone by and replenishes itself in just 15 days.

2. Donors fill out a form with personal data and a small blood sample is collected for testing. These tests determine the genetic characteristics that are necessary for compatibility between the donor and patient.

3. The personal data and test results are stored in a computer that performs the matching with data from the patient who is in need of a transplant.

4. If compatible with the patient, the donor is then called for additional tests and to make the donation.

5. It would be very simple and easy, if it were not for the problem of compatibility between the donor cells and recipient. The chance of finding a compatible bone marrow donor is, on average, one in a hundred thousand!

6. For the donor, the donation will be just a small inconvenience. For the patient, will be the difference between life and death.

I will now make an appeal to so many brothers and sisters, many of whom I still do not know, but who have their hearts drawn by the tender bonds of love and mercy. Please sign up through the Bone Marrow center in your state. It's simple and free.

How is the donation made?

A small amount of blood (5ml) will be drawn, and you will fill out a form with personal information.

Your blood will be typed for histocompatibility (HLA), which is a laboratory test to identify genetic characteristics that may influence the transplant. Your HLA type is included in the register.

Your data will be linked with the patient who needs the bone marrow transplant. If you are compatible with a patient, other blood tests will be needed.

If compatibility is confirmed, you will be asked to confirm that you want to make the donation. Your current health condition will be evaluated.

The donation is a procedure that is done in the operating room under epidural or general anesthesia and requires hospitalization for a minimum of 24 hours. In the first three days after the donation there can be located discomfort, mild to moderate, which can be alleviated with the use of painkillers and simple measures. Typically, donors return to their usual activities after the first week.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.marrow.org/DONOR/When_You_re_Asked_to_Donate_fo/index.html