Authored by Justin Yuen on Dec 10th 2010, 22:52
Hi all - I need to ask for your help. Now that the tumor has been removed from my chest, the next vital stage of my treatment will target my leukemia. I will need a bone marrow transplant, and in order to do so, I will need a matching bone marrow donor. My sister is the most likely to be a match, but there is only a 1-in-4 chance that she will be.
I know I am asking a big favor, but if you are willing, please sign up for your country's bone marrow registry! It is most likely that a person of Chinese descent will be a match, so my friends in Asia, please help!
Signing up for the registry will mean that if your HLA type matches another patient in need of a donor, you may be asked to donate. You always have the right to refuse, but why not help another person in need? Again, I know it's a lot to ask, but I need your marrow :)
Thanks to all who do join the registry. And to those that don't, I understand - donating blood is not for everybody!
Crossing my fingers that they can find a match for me...
For those in the U.S: http://www.marrow.org/
In other countries (a list of international bone marrow registries): http://helpingtami.org/asian_stem_cell_transplant_int_marrow_programs.html#hongkong
Justin-When my sister A Betty was seriously ill I(in the UK) and A Connie (in HK) gave our blood samples; but in the end sadly she was not able to have a transplant. In your case you are young and STRONG and I pray you will be able to find a match. The daughter of a good friend of ours who lived (and still lives) in Australia needed a tranplant because of leukemia more than ten years ago. She is Eurasian; and just when there seemed no hope of a match one came through from North America. So chances for a "pure" Chinese match must be more. Keep praying and fighting. Lots of love, A Ellie
Hey, Justin--I'm already in the registry--I have friends who've been through this. I'm an Eastern European mongrel, though. I probably don't even match myself.Best,Nick J.
Hi Justin,How are you feeling? We're having a weather perfect weekend here in LA and when I was out earlier, I was thinking of you and wandering what you're doing.....I've left a message with Kaori to give you next time she sees or talk to you.How's your appetite? Still "chowing everything down"?Have faith in the Lord. He listens to ALL his children. Keep those thumbs "UP"!!!!Laura xoxo
So happy to hear you are so much stronger. Might not feel quite like eating turkey this Christmas!! Will wait to hear re Courtney's HLA typing, then will do all I can. Your operation and recovery are nothing short of miraculous. Miracles do happen!Much love, Ellen
Hi Justin:Enoy your day, and everyday. We shall spread the word around here.
Hi Justin, I thank God that there are ways to treat your illness and Courtney will be home soon. Following the link given by you I learnt that only people aged between 18 and 49 are allowed to register as a donor!I am praying that Courtney's would be a good match for you, if not one of your cousins' might match. Have faith, God will provide.Love and prayersauntie fei
Justin, how was your check-up today? We have been praying that if bone marrow transport is needed, you will find a good match. I am too old to be a donor but have strong faith that God will grant you another miracle. His grace is sufficient for you. In Him, nothing is impossible. Much Love,Gu Ma Betty
Hi Justin! Thinking of you, your family, and friends daily. Actually, moment to moment and wishing the very best. You are an inspiration--as always. Actually, that was quite evident when I first met you at RISD. I was so glad to hear the most recent news of the successful surgery, and I won't stop rooting for more of it (the good news, that is!). I tune in to your updates and am always glad to read them, being especially being up in Albany. Much love and cheering-on, Beth