Join the bone marrow registry from ANYWHERE around the globe!

You could be the ONE!

Although a drive is being held tomorrow in Woodland Hills, CA in memory of Allison's life, journey, and battle against leukemia, you can participate from anywhere around the globe! Please consider becoming a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry/Be The Match and give the gift of life. When you sign up online, you will receive your test kit in the mail to the address you provide. Once you receive it, simply follow the instructions, swipe four swabs along the inside of your mouth, pack it up and send it back in the envelope provided. How easy is that?!?!?

Why should you do it?
Because thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on the Be The Match Registry^® to find a match to save their life. You may never be called as a match for someone, but you may be just the ONE to save the life of a baby, child or adult. Patients need donors who are a genetic match. Even with a registry of millions, many patients cannot find a match even within their own family. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed.

What does it mean to be on the registry?
You can find answers to several, if not all, of your questions by following this link:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html

Myths and facts about donating bone marrow:
This may also be of interest to some when making a decision:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Myths_%26_Facts_about_Marrow_Don/index.html

How can I join online?
Once you have decided to join, you can sign up to receive your kit by following this link:

http://join.marrow.org/AllisonsGift

Follow the onscreen instructions and enter promo code: AllisonsGift when prompted. The online registry is active May 12 – June 30, 2010.

Give the Gift of Life! Join us for a special Blood & Bone Marrow Registration drive in honor of Allison's Birthday!

On what would be Allison's 2nd birthday, May 13, 2010, our family, along with Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, will be hosting a blood drive and bone marrow registration drive to celebrate her life and memory. It is our hope and prayer that we will be able to continue to carry on the spirit of our daughter. Join us as we celebrate Allison's life, her memory, and continue her legacy. Together we CAN save lives!!! Please join us for this special event! While you may have already joined the bone marrow registry, you can also donate much needed blood and platelets.
When: Thursday, May 13, 2010/ 10am - 6:30pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Blood Donor Center - 5601 De Soto Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA, Entrance 4, Lower Level (818) 719 4329

Our personal experience tells us that it just takes one person to save a life. Out of the over 13 million people on the Bone Marrow Registry, there was one, single perfect match for Allison. Unfortunately her disease took over and she was unable to receive her transplant. Help us find a perfect match for patients who are waiting! It could be YOU!!! Last year, almost 2000 people joined the National Bone Marrow registry in her honor. It was such a gift to know that at least one patient found the marrow match they needed to save their life due to one of the several drives held in Allison's honor.

During her treatment she required several blood transfusions and platelet infusions, it was because of the generosity of friends, family and strangers that she was able to receive exactly what she needed, when she needed it. Many patients have to wait precious moments for blood or platelets when needing a transfusion. These moments can mean the difference between life and death. When you donate blood you are helping at least 3 people in need. If you're unable to attend our event, please consider donating when you are able at Kaiser or any donor center close to your location.

Patients with leukemia and other life-threatening blood disorders need bone marrow donors who are a very close or exact genetic match. The chance of finding a family member who is a match is just 1 in 25. And even with a registry of over 13 million, only about 50% of patients ever find a non-family member donor match. The unbelievable fact is, that there is only a 2% chance that bone marrow registrant will ever be called!

Donors of all diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are needed. Those with a varied ethnic background are also in great demand. Adding more potential donors from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to the registry increases the likelihood that all patients will find the match they so desperately need. Let's make sure no patient ever has to wait for the procedure that could save their life! It's so easy to join! All it takes is 4 swabs from the inside of your mouth!

For more information, please visit www.BeTheMatch.org or call 1 (800) MARROW-2.

Please feel free to print and share this flyer with others!!!