Do YOU want to Help Save a Life?

Ohio University Student, Erica Cohen, Does. Read Erica's story as she guest blogs for us.

"Would you be willing to register as a bone marrow donor?" I ask my friend Chauncey. "Hell no," he says. "There's absolutely no way someone is drillin' into my hip. No way in hell!" "Oh Chauncey, it's nothing like that," I explain.

"70 to 80 percent of the time they won't even request actual bone marrow donation from the hip. They usually request peripheral blood stem cell donation." "Mm-mm, Erica," he responded. "No way. That would hurt way too bad." "But Chauncey, we really need you," I said. "You're an African American man; African Americans are so underrepresented on the Registry. Currently only 17-percent of African American patients will find a lifesaving match. What if it were your mom who was in need of a transplant?" "Well she'd better hope my brother is a match," Chauncey snapped. "CHAUNCEY!!!" I gasped. "I'm just pulling your chain, Erica," he chuckled. "Of course I'll register."

My interaction with Chauncey may have been one of fun and jest, but many people are ignorant to the need for bone marrow donors and the actual donation process. I myself was somewhat uninformed when I began the process of organizing a bone marrow donor drive on Ohio University's campus. However, I was quick to learn and spread my wealth of knowledge. I found that as soon as people began to understand the need for bone marrow donors and the actual process, they were excited to register as donors.

My desire to help cancer patients began when I began volunteering at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh outpatient oncology clinic at age 14. I decided then that I wanted to be a pediatric oncologist. However, when I finished my first quarter as a college freshman I realized chemistry and I just didn't mesh particularly well. I decided a life of science courses was not for me, but I knew I wanted to help in another way. My desire to help patients in need did not become personal until this past November when one of my high school friends was diagnosed with leukemia. I decided to organize a bone marrow drive to hopefully find a match for Tony, and many other patients in need. I heard about Amy Katz's story (Amy is also of Pittsburgh) and got in touch with her mother to assist me in planning my drive. Mrs. Katz suggested I contact DKMS Americas to organize my drive. I hopped online, filled out the online form at www.dkmsamericas.org. Soon thereafter, I was contacted by Amanda from DKMS and the preparations began!!