(Image: Jasmin DeBerry)
When it comes to treating blood related cancers, such as leukemia and blood disorders like sickle cell disease, African Americans have a harder time finding a bone marrow match. Although Be The Match, a global leader in bone marrow transplantation, has a database which includes over eight million donors — the chance of finding a match on the Be The Match Registry is close to 93% for Caucasians, but for African Americans and other minorities, the chances can be as low as 66%.
Unfortunately, myths about the bone marrow donation process such as, “it’s very painful,” keeps many people from joining the Be The Match Registry and potentially saving a life.
To help dispel myths about the marrow donation process, BlackEnterprise.com caught up with two marrow donors, 42-year-old Sean Patterson, an adjunct instructor and founder of The 411 Foundation, and 22-year-old Jasmine DeBerry, who recently graduated from Wingate University with a degree in communication studies and a concentration in mass media.
BlackEnterprise.com: Why was it important for you to become a bone marrow donor?
Patterson: It was important for me to become a bone marrow donor because getting on the registry list meant I could help save someone’s life. When I received the email on March 12, 2014 stating that I was a possible match for an 8-year-old girl, I knew I had to say yes to the whole process. I wanted to help make a difference in someone’s life, so this was going to be a great opportunity. On April 7, 2014 I received the call, notifying me that I was the best possible match. This was one thing that I knew I was going to do for sure. My son had just turned 7 and all I could think about was: if it was my son I would hope that someone would jump at the chance to help him. My mind was made up and there was changing it.
How long did the process take?
The actual process took a couple of hours, but I was under general anesthetic so it seemed like a short process to me. There were no side effects. My procedure was done on a Friday morning and I was up and moving around the next day. I went back to work on Tuesday without any problems. Having an active eight year old at home, he was ready to play as soon as I came from the hospital that Friday evening.
Can you help dispel any myths or rumors people may have about the marrow donation process?
Some people don’t join the Be The Match Registry because they have a misunderstanding about how painful the process is. When you donate marrow, you are under general anesthesia and feel no pain during the procedure. I would do it again to save a life. The level of discomfort you may experience is nothing compared to what someone who is fighting for their life is experiencing. The whole process will change you. By donating bone marrow you are giving a person a chance at life; all they want is a chance.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to join a marrow registry like Be The Match?
Sign up and get on the registry. You can make a difference.
Why was it important for you, Jasmine, to become a bone marrow donor?
Jasmine DeBerry: When I was 16, one of my best friends passed away (Jacquieea “Kiki” Brown). She had sickle cell anemia. She was such a joyful person and knowing her made me a better person. When I turned 18 I joined the registry in her honor. She was so important to me and still is, so I am very passionate about ending blood cancers.
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(Image: Jasmin DeBerry)
Can you take us through the process?
The process took about four hours. I did the PBSC (peripheral blood stem cells) donation. Blood was taken from my arm, filtered through a machine that extracted what was needed, and the rest was returned to my body. The five days leading up to the donation I was given a shot to multiply my blood cells faster. Each day a home nurse came to my house to give me the shot. My body was working overtime to produce more blood cells so I had flu-like symptoms. I was really tired but nothing too serious.
After the donation, I was back to my normal self. The day of the donation I was tired and went back to the hotel and slept the rest of the day, but after two days I was back to normal.
Can you help dispel any myths or rumors people may have about the marrow donation process?
The procedure is not painful. Only 23% of donors have to undergo surgical procedures. The PBSC method is similar to donating plasma; it is just for a longer period of time. The little pain that I did experience is nothing when I think about the idea of giving someone a second chance at life. We have the ability to help someone and it is our responsibility. If you are healthy, then this is a very easy process. Also, it cost the donor absolutely nothing to donate. Transportation, lodging, and food are all taken care of.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to join a bone marrow registry?
Think about what this means before you register. 70% of blood cancer patients do not find a match in their family, so they rely on the Be the Match Registry. If you are selected as a match, you are special and you are most likely this person’s one and only match. This is someone’s life, so if you commit to signing up to be in the registry, please commit to answering the call if you are a match.
Black patients in need of donors are much less likely to find a match, so there is a huge need for more African Americans in the registry. Don’t be afraid. Even ordinary people can do extraordinary things. I am proof of that, God used me to do his work, and I feel blessed by the work I was allowed to do.
To learn more about how the transplant process works, visit Be The Match.
