I just received this email about a friend of a friend who is very sick and in need of a life saving transplant but has not been able to find a match. Please read her email and help if you can. I met Brooke briefly last June at a birthday luncheon and found her to be a sweet and beautiful women, 20 minutes of your time may save a soul.
Gratefully yours, The Bag Snob
LETTER FROM BROOKE
DEAR LOVED ONES, FRIENDS, AND FRIENDS OF FRIENDS,
This has been one of the hardest letters I have ever had to write. I am much more comfortable helping others than asking for myself, but I NEED YOUR HELP AND I NEED IT NOW.
On August 10, 2006, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and, to date, the disease has not responded to the various chemotherapies that I have been given. In the next few months, I need to find someone whose tissue type matches mine, who would be willing to donate blood stem cells so I can receive a life-saving transplant. Time is of the essence.
Through our dear friends, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Frank and I had the good fortune to meet with Dr. Jeffrey Chell, the CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program, and learn about innovative technology that makes it possible to conduct a donor drive entirely via the Internet!
There are three ways you can help:
1. JOIN THE REGISTRY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER BLOOD STEM CELL DONOR.
This is incredibly easy and efficient! You only need to be between the ages of 18 and 60, in good general health, and be committed to help any patient in need. Simply follow the link below and use the code B112006. After you fill out a medical questionnaire and provide contact information, a tissue-testing kit will arrive at your home or office in about five business days. The kit has everything you need to swab the inside of your cheeks to collect cells that will be tested to determine your tissue type. Just send it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.
THAT’S IT—no needles, no driving, no waiting in line. The whole process only takes 20 to 30 minutes, max! Please click on this link: JOIN THE REGISTRY and remember to use the code B112006.
2. HELP BY MAKING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION.
My parents, Sistie and Henry Stollenwerck along with my husband, Frank, have established a fund at The Marrow Foundation to help defray the cost of tissue-typing ($52 per kit.) The primary purpose of this fund is to help friends of our friends participate in our efforts, and to defray the cost of tissue-typing for those who can’t afford the fee at this time of year.
It is our hope and plea that those of you who can afford the $52 will pay for your own testing and/or make a donation to this fund to help others participate. Adding new donors to the Registry helps all patients who are in the same life-threatening situation. Any size contribution helps, and all gifts are tax-deductible. This is truly the greatest Christmas or holiday gift to give and to receive; this is your opportunity to save a life.
To make a contribution, click on the link: BROOKE'S HOPE. To contribute to the fund established in honor of Brooke, scroll down to “Other/Specified Fund” in the drop-down box and type “Brooke’s Hope” into the “If Other” box.
3. SHARE THIS LIFE-SAVING OPPORTUNITY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Please share this e-mail along with a personal note to anyone and everyone who shares your compassion and would be open to helping. Encourage your buddies to participate in any way they can. Again, time is of the essence, so please act now!!
I know this program works. Just six months ago, I registered to become a donor at the request of a friend. Imagine my surprise when I was recently called and told that I was a potential match for a 51-year-old female with leukemia! It was an amazing and powerful experience just thinking I could help save someone’s life. I was deeply saddened that because of the change in my own health, I couldn’t. I hope that if you are ever called, you will know the joy that comes from making a difference in someone else’s life.
This is a busy time of year, but in the spirit of the holidays, I hope that you will consider helping in any way you can.
Thank you so much for consideration and compassion.
Believe in miracles,
Brooke Aldridge
P.S. Do it because you care, do it because you can. Do it because you could save a life. Do it by DECEMBER 20!
P.P.S. To learn more about the National Marrow Donor Program, visit www.marrow.org
I signed up and am glad to.
FYI, It says that the quota for your code is all used up.
Your letter motivated me to do something I've wanted to do for a while now but never somehow found the time.
You are in my prayers and I hope there is someone out there that I can help.
Is this the same as the national marrow registry? I'm signed up for that one. I hope she finds a match, I will remember her in my prayers. I'm glad that you've taken advantage of the traffic your site gets to spread the word.
Regisaring to help Brooke and others like her is very simple and possibly the most unselfish act you can do.
Who wouldn't like to asve someones life? someday someone might save yous.
Registar.
Hi! My name is Alissa, I'm with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and I'm working with Brooke and her family. I wanted to thank you for featuring this important message on your blog! Also, I wanted to respond to some question in the previous comments and offer myself as a resource if there are any additional questions people have. (my e-mail is listed with this message). First--the issue with the quota for the code having been used up was a temporary technical glitch for about half an hour Wednesday morning. This has been resolved and the code is working! Secondly, this is the same thing as the "national marrow registry." If you've joined before, you are already a member committed to possibly saving the life of a patient like Brooke. On behalf of everyone at the NMDP, thank you!!
This was a great idea to help spread to word. I truly hope that everything will work out well and that I might be able to help in some way. You never know. I try to donate blood when I can too because I'm O negative. I hope everyone out there that has the potential to help others in need acts in whatever way they can....especially around the holidays. Some gifts are worth more than others.
Hi, My name is Leah and I work for Brooke's husband Frank. I have been working very closely with Brooke and Frank throughout this entire process and let me tell you the support and outreaches we have received have been extremely heartwarming and overwhelming. Brooke and Frank are both by far the sweetest and most geniune people you could ever meet. I speak with Brooke almost daily and I can tell you she is stronger in her heart and mind than ever before. While yes she is seeking a match for herself she also has ongoing hopes that we find matches for others. Her perseverance and strength is amazing. If you need information on how to help feel free to contact me. I want to thank you all on Brooke & Franks behalf for all of your prayers and help. Everyday when I recieve the totals for registries and contributions it is overwhelming the response we are getting not only for Brooke but for others just like her
I would love to help, but I do not have the $$ to pay for the kit. Are there any more kits to send out to those who want to help, but do not have the money to spend?
Sadly, Brooke Stollenwerck Aldridge passed away this morning. Up until the very end she was courageous, spiritful and a joy. She will be very very much missed by many friends and family. Her Marrow Drive raised $100,000 for the Marrow Foundation and encouraged over 500 people to register to be a Marrow Donor. We want to thank her for her fight and for the drive she sponosored that will most definitely find matches for others.
I just found my way back to your site for an update on Brooke. My heart sank when I saw that she passed away. I stumbled across Brooke's letter asking for people to register for the NMPD back in January and I did so immediately. I have since been found to be a match for a 21 year old female with leukemia and will be undergoing PBSC donation in a few weeks. I just wanted to let you know that others are definitely being helped as a result of your post.