Donating bone marrow can save lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Hoff
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  It started right after I met my wife. She was contacted by the Bill Young Bone Marrow Center because she was a match for a 40-year-old man. 

I watched her go through the process of physicals and preparation for her trip. Before she could depart, the call came that it was too late. The person she matched had passed away from complications from chemotherapy. 

When my opportunity came, I was tested at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., during a drive similar to the one in Cheyenne May 11, to see if I might be a match for someone in need. Four years later, I received a phone call from the same center stating I was a possible match for someone. I immediately responded that I was willing to continue through the process to see if I would be the best candidate to donate. I took my paperwork to the lab at Minot and the process began. 

A couple weeks later, a phone call came for me at work. I was told I was a match and asked if I would be willing to continue the process. I said, "Yes." I was scheduled for a health physical and a couple more tubes of blood were drawn. I started taking the vitamins they prescribed and, by my own choice, quit smoking and drinking. 

After a while I had a donation date. At this time, I could now write the recipient's family, and they could write me. We couldn't use names, but we did learn about each other. 

The recipient was a 17-year-old male with leukemia. He loved cars and being on the computer. He was an avid golfer and very active before he became ill. I knew I was going to donate even before receiving the letter, but this sealed it. This was a young man with the world before him. This was someone's little boy. As I looked at my two sons, I knew I would pray that someone would do the same for us. 

In November 2003, my wife and I traveled to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., for the donation. The procedure took about an hour. We found out later that the marrow left the hospital and was at the recipient's location in only three hours. The young man received his transfusion on its arrival. 

I recovered for the day in the hospital. That night, my wife and I were treated to a steak and lobster dinner. I will say I was sore and uncomfortable. But, not so uncomfortable that I couldn't move around. 

We learned later that the transfusion went well and that I was a six out of six criteria match for him. He started getting better overnight. Our families exchanged a few more letters and really developed an anonymous bond. 

Sadly, I received a phone call after New Years Day. The bone marrow transplant worked, but there were complications from the chemotherapy. He had developed a fungal infection, and his body was not strong enough to fight it. He passed away. 

Not long after I found out, the family wanted to know who I was. I wanted to know who they were. We could now start the consent forms to release information. 

When the phone rang, I heard his mother's voice on the other end. Still grieving, she was so thankful for me donating. Then, I heard from the father. 

It was a hard phone call; the outcome had not been what anyone had hoped for. They told us that he had a wonderful Christmas; the marrow had taken, and he was on the road to recovery during that time. They had their son back, even for a short time. Nick was 17 years old. Our first names were the same. We loved the same things in life. I am so glad I had the opportunity to help change someone's life. 

Imagine, my wife and I were both matches for people who needed what we could share. What are the odds? Imagine if more people were tested, how many more lives could be saved?
I always think that if the situation was reversed, I'd hope someone would step up if they could help. I did what I thought was right for myself, my family and the family that desperately needed this. I have no regrets. I would do it again if the phone rang. 

I hear people saying they would not do it because it hurts. Sometimes, the best things in life cause a bit of pain, ask your parents.