please help a fellow blue

[Anonymous]

It works like blood donation. You give bone marrow and it's used by the docs for those that need bone marrow - it's not like you give Francis Henry Lee's Dad your specific bone marrow because the matching chances are slender, but if enough people are on the register then he has a better chance.

It used to be quite a painful thing but they've now got it sussed so it's less hassle than giving blood (but without the biscuits apparently!). You can find out more of the science on <a class="postlink" href="http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/b/bone-marrow-donation/introduction" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-libra ... troduction</a> and other links from there. It does have an age limit of 49 on the NHS.

A more user-friendly link is through <a class="postlink" href="http://www.anthonynolan.org/What-we-do/Stem-cell-donation.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.anthonynolan.org/What-we-do/ ... ation.aspx</a> who organise it too. They refer to it as Blood Stem Cell donation but it's the same thing. Anyone donating blood can also ask about it at their clinics. Anyone not donating blood needs a slap anyway.

Age limit 49 , not 40 ???

And no biscuits ??????

 

[Damocles]

The only way I can see to donate involves a trip to London and a few day stay. Are there any facilities in Manchester?

 

[Cookieproof]

Unfortunately I'm 49 living in Paraguay and I'm diabetic which I was told is not taken as a blood donor so I assume it would be a problem for bone marrow. I just thought I would show my support. I lost my mum to cancer so understand what you may be going through. Show the support for your dad as I'm sure every Bluemooner here will do also. All the best and you and your dad are in our thoughts.

 

[Gallager91]

P'md you mate

 

[mcfcnorthstand]

I'm on the Anthony Nolan list, I registered last year, they send you a swab and you just put it in mouth and you send it off, and anytime in future you maybe a match and help another human being.

 

[Targetblue]

If geoffchall's comments about the age limit being 49 rather than 40 are correct then I'd be glad to help. I'm 47 and you can PM me if needed.
Good luck!

 

[mancity dan]

I'm 31 mate, pm me with details. I give blood already and would gladly help out if needed for this.

 

[geoffchall]

If geoffchall's comments about the age limit being 49 rather than 40 are correct then I'd be glad to help. I'm 47 and you can PM me if needed.
Good luck!

I'm pretty sure the NHS will take Bone Marrow donations but the Anthony Nolan trust don't. Have a look at <a class="postlink" href="http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow/qa/index.asp#howdo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow/qa/index.asp#howdo</a> and you'll find it says:
How can I join the register?

You must be aged between 18 and 49 years old (registered before your 50th birthday) and be a blood donor. You can join when you next give blood, or at the same time as your first donation. We will check that there is no medical reason preventing you from being both a blood donor and a stem cell donor. At the time of your blood donation we will take an extra blood sample, so that we can identify your tissue type for the registry from your DNA - the genetic material our bodies are made up from. Please inform the staff at the blood donation session that you wish to join the BBMR before your blood donation is taken.

 

[Bobinho]

sorry too old and diabetic :(, but give it a bump. good luck

 

[Damocles]

Still, for those of us interested, is there a Manchester based option available?