In July 2009, blood tests revealed that 23-year old Matthew Sheehan was suffering from aplastic anemia, a potentially fatal condition where the body is incapable of producing adequate amounts of blood cells. The only hope for a 100% cure is for Matthew to be treated with a bone marrow transplant but thus far finding a perfect-match donor has been unsuccessful.

Getting tested for compatibility takes only seconds. It involves dabbing a swab on the inside of the cheek and joining the national bone registry. There are no mandatory fees. If the marrow is a match, donors are asked to undergo one of two non-invasive outpatient procedures that extract some of the donor’s healthy cells to replace the patient’s unhealthy cells. It is that simple to give Matthew a second chance at life.

And even if the marrow is not a specific match for Matthew, it may very well be a match for someone else. According to Matthew, such a selfless act benefits the entire community in so many ways. “Joining the registry to match a specific individual while wonderful, is statistically almost impossible,” he said. “But joining with the thought that you could be the answer to someone's prayers you have never even met before---and will answer the call if it comes--- shows the sort of dedication society desperately needs.”

For more information on becoming a donor please contact www.communitybloodservices.org/bonemarrow.php
or call 201-444-3900 and a kit will be mailed to you. To raise awareness and fund research please contact www.aamds.org or call 800-747-2820.

To follow Matthew’s story, visit his blog at www.mypiccline.com.