To my fellow mothers:
Just last night, as I settled down for the evening, I scrolled through Facebook one last time and stumbled upon some heart-wrenching news. My neighbor’s 5-year-old son, Noah, who bravely battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for most of last year, has faced a relapse. He will have to undergo chemotherapy again, and a second bone marrow transplant is likely on the horizon. My heart just dropped.
This is the same little guy who was joyfully playing outside with my boys only last week; the same sweet, spirited child who willingly shares his toys with my younger sons, who are still learning the value of sharing. Just a few months ago, I watched him triumphantly ride a bike for the first time on the path near my home. Now, he’s facing another round of hospital stays and the challenging road that comes with it.
What makes this even harder is that his parents are all too familiar with the journey ahead. They know the countless hours away from their younger son, and the fear that will shadow Noah as he endures bone marrow biopsies and takes medications that will help him heal but will also cause him distress. They know, and yet they continue to fight with unwavering courage.
I felt utterly powerless. In my role as a social worker, I’ve walked alongside many families through similar trials. I’ve shared tears with mothers and fathers, played games with children who couldn’t have visitors due to their compromised immune systems, and consoled siblings who struggled to understand why their parents were always at the hospital. But this is different; this is a friend’s child I’m witnessing suffer, and I’m desperate to help.
Sure, I could offer to mow their lawn or babysit their younger son, but they already have family nearby who can help. I can prepare meals and offer my support, but it feels insufficient when their child’s life is on the line.
Then, this morning, an idea sparked. I realized I could take action, and I need your help to make it happen. I’m not asking you to donate to a GoFundMe page, but rather to consider becoming a bone marrow donor.
Before my first son was born, I registered as a bone marrow donor because I wanted to ensure that if my family ever needed a match, I would be contributing to that precious pool of donors. Though I have yet to be matched, I find comfort in knowing my DNA could potentially save a life.
Imagine the impact we could make if everyone reading this letter registered as a donor. If we spread the word about bone marrow donation, we could vastly increase the donor pool and potentially save countless lives, including children like Noah.
Joining the registry is simple. Just head over to bethematch.org and request a kit. They’ll send you everything you need to swab your cheek right at home and return it. Just like that, you’ll be on a list with the potential to change someone’s life forever. How easy is that?
As mothers, let’s do this for our children, for our families, and for brave kids like Noah. If you can’t register due to age or health reasons, please share this message with others who can.
While we can’t do everything for children like Noah, we can do something significant. Please consider registering as a bone marrow donor. Your small action could have a monumental impact.
Always,
Lila Thompson
In summary, this heartfelt letter calls on mothers everywhere to take action by becoming bone marrow donors. It emphasizes the ease of registering and the profound difference one can make in the lives of children battling severe health challenges. By sharing this message, we can create a ripple effect of awareness and support for families in need.