Here is a letter sent from Brooke this morning. PLEASE take the swab test. It takes no more than 5 minutes and all you do is swab the inside of your cheeks. Thank you, Bag Snob
Thank you so much for your response, interest and offer to help- We have extended the deadline for the drive until February because I have not responded to any sort of treatment and still have no match- We are going to proceed with a new protocol in the treatment of my cancer that will hopefully “buy me some time” for a stem cell transplant so I would appreciate greatly you forwarding the email to those who you think would be interested in responding. There are ample dollars in the fund to cover the $52 cost for testing. I am so grateful that you would even consider sending the email to your classmates- Its simply a numbers game – I just need ONE match and even though it hasn’t happened yet ,I remain optimistic that one can and will surface.
Again, My thanks
Brooke
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 did the test many years ago but not sure if they still have my information, so I signed up again. Thank you for offering this. Prayers lifted from Texas.
i am so glad i stopped by this website and saw this posting today. my 13 year old little sister passed away from a long battle with AML (leukemia) on dec 18th 2006. her bone marrow transplant was unsuccessful and she fell ill again too soon before they could attempt another. i have been looking for a way to help others in need with this disease and this is the perfect way! i am going to forward this to all my friends and family and i know they will want to do the swab test too. thank you so much for posting this email!!! god bless!
I feel shallow and had an epiphany. Brooke is fighting for life and I am spending thousands of dollars on a handbag? My priorities are skewed, I love handbags, and shall not buy another new one. I have registered with the Donor Registry and am awaiting the test kit. I also emailed my contacts in my edress file. I hope it is in time for you Brooke. Bless you, keep fighting.