How You Live

Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on a bone marrow transplant to save their life.  And YOU could be the perfect match.  And even more exciting…it’s free! For a limited time. Naturally.  The National Marrow Donor Program is doing something really cool right now– you can join the Registry until April 30 with NO registration fee. Typically, it’s $52 for the kit. 

eight-year old Braden Allard

Let me introduce you to an amazing kid who just received a Bone Marrow Transplant.  This is Braden Allard.  He was diagnosed with leukemia in December and is in the midst of his transplant now. For some patients, their bone marrow match is someone in the family.  That was not the case for Braden.  A perfect stranger happened to be his perfect match. 

And P.S… unfortunately, if you have a history of cancer, you are unable to register. Even if you are in remission. Stupid Cancer. So for all the healthy people out there…register in honor of Braden or someone else you know with a blood cancer.  You never know when someone you love will be affected.  Just call me Debbie Downer.  

Sometimes, cancer comes with rewards. Like scholarships for college. Don’t get me wrong… nothing can redeem the yuckiness of cancer, but free money might ease the burden just a bit.

“Every cancer survivor deserves the chance to receive a college education. Yet the burden of medical debt, side effects of treatment, and limited access to financial and informational resources leaves many young adult cancer survivors with little hope of attending college.”  [CCC.org]

Let me introduce you to a super organization called CCC (Care. Commit. Change.).  CCC is an annual college scholarship program that recognizes survivors who demonstrate leadership, commitment to education, and betterment of their community.  They also provide guidance and resources in the pursuit of higher education, including an online database that contains information on thousands of national scholarships for young adult cancer survivors.

Check out the site and see what scholarships you might be eligible for!  AND… let others know about this program and the opportunity to invest in the future of young cancer survivors.

Dr. Archie Bleyer, pediatric and young adult oncologist at the St. Charles Regional Cancer Center in Bend, Oregon, has been a forerunner in advocacy for young adults with cancer.  Over the past year or two (since my diagnosis) I have come across his name many times and appreciate his insight on the issues that concern us.  Heidi Adams from Planet Cancer posted a link to this article on her Twitter and want to pass it on to you…my most valued readers.  

Enjoy this Q&A with Dr. Bleyer.