A Personal Request

I don't plan on using this blog for personal reasons often, if at all, but I can't help use this platform to try and help a loved one in need.  I have a cousin who is battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and after his intensive chemotherapy treatments, he will require a stem cell transplant.  I am asking you, readers, to please consider signing up at BeTheMatch.com (the national Bone Marrow Registry) as a potential marrow donor.  They will send you a free kit in the mail that contains a few cheek swabs - all you have to do is wipe the Q-Tip on the inside of your cheek and mail it back.  Once they process your swabs, you'll be contacted if you're a match, which is usually about 1 in 200 people.  There's no way for people to specifically test as a match for my cousin, but even if someone can help save the life of one other person, I think it's worth it.  There's extensive information about the donation process on BeTheMatch.com, including misconceptions about the difficulties of donation and the fact that it's usually not a painful process for the donor.  If you choose to sign up (which I sincerely hope you do!), please be aware that even though they ask for a donation, you are not required to give one, and they will still send you all of the materials for free if you choose not to give them money. Even if you can't volunteer to be a donor, please forward this post to your friends and family.  I'm trying to get the word out as much as possible, and I need your help!

Thank you!