I saw an ad on TV today for Canadian Blood Services “OneMatch” program, which looks like is just a better-branded version of their former bone marrow donation program. And this is a good thing, because I know the previous program wasn’t well known or understood. And getting on a marrow/stem cell registry is such an easy thing to do, and it can have such a profound impact.

Someone in my position, as a leukemia “survivor” realizes that if I ever do relapse, I would almost certainly undergo a bone marrow transplant as the preferred (only effective) course of treatment. While I matched with my mom at the time of my diagnosis, she may not be a viable donor in the event I relapse, given that they normally screen for donors 50 and under. In that case I would be looking for an unrelated donor from the registry. So, in one sense, am being selfish by writing this.

But I am also thinking of others, as I have know a few people who have had the procedure, and heard stories of many more who have needed it, and some of those who never found a match. Considering there are only 11 million donors in 50 countries worldwide, it would be a shame for someone not to match, with millions and millions of potential, untapped donors out there.

And I am feeling guilty. I never gave blood, never paid any attention to the concept of marrow donation. And now my blood and marrow are, well, not as desirable to say the least. So all I can do is recruit others and hope that they can make a difference. After all, without donated blood, I likely wouldn’t be here either.

So if you are thinking of giving to charity this season, think first of donating blood and signing up for the marrow registry. It’s free. And it may allow you to give one of the greatest gifts of all – Life.

I know. I sound a bit like an ad. Deal with it!