Sanjivan - The Organ Donation Blog

I came across the news of a five year old boy needing bone marrow transplant. I was surprised and then read more about him. Jacob suffers from X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP) , a rare form of cancer and immune system deficiency. I was really sad to know that he was diagnosed with XLP when he was a month old. XLP affects only males and if left untreated it can be fatal.

Jacob had a unsuccessful bone marrow transplant last year and is trying to get an another one. Doctors using chemotheraphy have wiped out XLP from his body but untill a bone marrow donor can be found, Jacob cannot come out of the clean room environment at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Also there are chances that XLP can reoccur so he needs a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible.

Blood donation keeps Jacob alive until he finds the correct donor.

To make an appointment to donate blood in Pico Rivera, call Rebecca Salcido at (562) 949-4668. To donate blood or platelets through Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, call (323) 660-2450.

Thanks to whittierdailynews for the information.

It is with a heavy heart, I am writing this post. Vinay Chakravarthy, the hero who fought a brave battle against cancer and who spearheaded the cause of bone marrow donation amongst south asians passed away on June 25th 2008. My heartfelt condolences to Vinay’s family. May his soul rest in peace.

It is said that a great movement is always started by just one person. The awareness of bone marrow donation reached the highest amongst south asians in the US in the past year and Vinay was a spark that fired up this movement. Let us spread the awareness of bone marrow donation amongst our families, friends and colleagues. This is not an end, but a new beginning.

As a resident of California, you should take the following steps to ensure your decision to become a donor is carried out:

• Check “YES! I want to be an organ and tissue donor” when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID card through the California DMV

OR
• Sign up online to be an organ and tissue donor with the Donate Life California Registry at http://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/ or its companion Spanish Web site, http://www.donevidacalifornia.org/.

California does not require family consent to carry out your wishes to be an organ, eye or tissue donor. However, keeping everyone informed will help avoid any confusion or delays.