Bone Marrow Drive Lets You Register For Free (IHD member lola!)

Jun 17, 2009 6:01 pm US/Central
Bone Marrow Drive Lets You Register For Free
Reporting
Dennis Douda
(WCCO)

An estimated 10,000 children and adults need life-saving bone marrow transplants each year. Less than a third will find a donor match in their family.

Maybe you are the life-saving donor one of them needs and, this week you can sign up without the usual $52 processing expense through the National Marrow Donor Program.

The Minneapolis-based agency is waving laboratory fees for DNA analysis through June 22 with its "Be the Match Marrowthon."

In Brooklyn Park, Otto Machado understands the value of tissue donors. Since childhood a degenerative condition, called Alport Syndrome, has slowly destroyed his kidney function.

He has had two kidney transplants -- the second of which failed last October -- and again the generosity of strangers saved his life.

"So they had to pull that kidney out and they had to give me bags and bags and bags of blood," said Machado. "If it wasn't available, I wouldn't be [talking to you] right now."

Now, tubes and pumps push dark red blood through a computer controlled console as part of Machado's lifeline.

"This is my kidney, in a way," he said, pointing to a home dialysis machine.

Five mornings a week, for three hours per session, it filters toxins from his blood.

Still, at age 38, he refuses to slow down; playing with his 3-kids, riding off-road motorcycles and working a full time job.

Machado's wife Amy is so thankful that the man she has known since they were children was given a second chance, that she organized a blood and bone marrow drive in his honor.

On Sunday June 21, she will be signing up new members for the National Marrow Registry. It is as simple as filling out a confidential form, swabbing your inner cheek and then remembering your commitment.

"If they call you, you are the only person in the world that can save that individual [who needs a bone marrow transplant]," she said. "So, it is a commitment when you sign up."

"Be the Match Marrowthon" hopes to sign up 46,000 new potential donors.

The Blood & Bone Marrow Drive is Sunday, June 21, from 9 a.m. -2 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 7217 West Broadway Avenue in Brooklyn Park.

Those interested in joining the Marrow Registry may simply show up.

They may also register online by clicking here. http://www.marrow.org/index.html

Those who wish to give blood should make an appointment at 763-561-7211 or e-mail Amy Machado.

TO WATCH VIDEO GO TO: http://wcco.com/health/bone.marrow.drive.2.1048986.html (UPPER RIGHT)

Photo: In Brooklyn Park, Otto Machado understands the value of tissue donors. Since childhood a degenerative condition, called Alport Syndrome, has slowly destroyed his kidney function.