[KimO]

Our son and a friend of his organized a couple of bone marrow drives shortly after Shauna was diagnosed. They contacted our local blood bank, who provided expertise and a couple of workers. Then they designed and printed flyers, got additional volunteers to help process folks and, along with the director of the bone marrow department of the blood bank, told Shauna's story on a local radio show. We had two dates, one at the local high school and another a couple of weeks later between services at our church. Altogether they registered 112 potential donors. This was even though our local area had just had a similar drive for a toddler who needed a transplant only a few months earlier and 600 had registered then. Plus, donors then (4 years ago now) were required to pay a $25 processing fee to add their name to the registry. I don't know if that is still the case.

I would suggest that 1) you make use of your local blood bank or Be the Match for the technical expertise on the paperwork and processing the cheek swabs, and 2) reach out to groups that know Eric and your family. When a disease like this hits lots of folks want to help but they don't know how. This gives them a concrete way to support you. Even though just attending a bone marrow drive felt like more than we could handle at the time, it was such a blessing to to watch people come through the door and say "we're so sorry you are going through this, we want to help."

Finally, because Eric is not yet 18 be aware that the friends his age will not be able to register -- you must be 18. That doesn't mean their parents and older siblings (and his teachers or coaches) won't want to help.