We dedicate a lot of bits and bytes in this space toward the conversation around cancer. So I'd like to beg for a temporary departure and give a shout out to organ/tissue donation.
I was fortunate enough to have an autologous stem cell transplant (one which used my own harvested stem cells), vs. an allogenic transplant (using cells from a matching donor). The former (autologous) involved me doing a week's worth of painless shots in my ample tummy at home in preparation for the harvesting session (stimulate cell growth). And then an equally painless 4-hour "blood transfusion" type process that harvested my own stems cells (don't ask me how they tell the right stem cells from the wrong ones when they centrifuge them out). But I was able to capture a big bag's worth - enough for the procedure that they did, and another batch left over in case they need to do it again. They are frozen somewhere in Fort Lee, NJ next to a bag of waffle fries in the basement freezer of a Mr. Richard Feder (I think) - waiting for me. By contrast. the allogenic process requires finding a matching donor, harvesting their stem cells, doing the procedure, and hoping that the match takes. An extremely generous "gift."
Today I was surrounded by some 5,000 fellow miracle experiencers who assembled to raise money and awareness for the process of organ/tissue donation. Among the supportive throngs, there were donors, grateful recipients, and loving families of folks who posthumously made this tremendous sacrifice. Regrettably, my circumstances now preclude me from being an organ or tissue donor (kidneys are now shot as a side-effect of the MM; despite a life-time of willing teetotalling), and my former blood-drive donation days are on hold for the long-term foreseeable future (I miss the good feeling and daddy/daughter bonding - and free Oreos). But if you can see yourself sharing and caring enough to be able to make either selfless sacrifice - let me express my impressiveness and gratitude in advance.
OBTW: Today was a day highlighted by a fund-raising walk for charity (see above), prepping and planting the Beach House garden in honor/memory of our beloved Pop Pop, finally cleaning out about 30 years worth of gunk from under said Beach House, and Angie's car being hit by a deer on her way to a weekend school/work function (Windshield smashed. Deer fate unknown. Angie fine !). #nogooddeedgoesunpunished
