Alice's Bucket List and How You Can Help Her

Alice is a 15 year old British girl who in three short days has become internationally famous because of her Alice's Bucket List blog. Why would a 15 year old girl need a bucket list of things she wants to do before she dies? Because she has terminal cancer. Alice is suffering from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, and may have only weeks left to live as much of her life as possible.

Yesterday and this morning Alice was trending on Twitter because someone tweeted to trend on Twitter was one of her bucket list wishes. But as the International Business TImes and Guardian.co.uk pointed out this morning, something got lost in translation. To "trend" on Twitter (meaning be one of the most popular topics being talked about and shared on Twitter) just for the sake of trending wasn't really her goal.

In actuality her wish was to broadcast an appeal for people to register and join their national bone marrow donor registries. Reaching people "To make everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor" is at the top of her budket list. She even donated herself, to herself, two years ago and says "it really didn't hurt at all."

Says Alice in her blog post on June 9th, 2011:

"I'm excited about the things I am going to be doing, but the biggest thing has to be all the people who are joining bone marrow donation schemes because of me. I read on someones post that it is really painful. Well, mostly bone marrow is taken as cells via a needle and I have had it done. I was 13 when I had my first transplant and because they used my own cells, I had to have them taken out (they call it harvested) and then stored and put back in some months later after more chemo. I'm not just saying this, but it really didn't hurt at all. I had a tiny bruise from the needles and that was about it. I was a bit tired too but I'm always tired so that may not have been the cells.

So, I was never begging and I don't need any money but I do love to get your messages and I hope you'll follow my blog and keep leaving me a message. I will take a camera with me wherever I go and I'll post photos of everything I do. In return, you can keep asking everyone you bump into to join the bone marrow donation schemes in your country."

To join the marrow registry:

• In the UK Alice recommends the Anthony Nolan UK Blood Cancer Charity.
• In the US you can visit Be The Match to order a home test kit online or learn where local drives are being held using your zip code.
• Internationally you can see if your country has a registry by visiting a site I created called Marrow Drives.org

And just an FYI: Many of the national registries combine to form the international donor pool where over half of all matches world wide are found. How does it work? Donors donate where they live and the marrow or adult stem cells are flown to the patient's treatment hospital for the transplant. (My cousin Tami in Washington state received her stem cells from her anonymous donor in Hawaii.)

Please honor Alice's wish by joining your local registry and encouraging others to join if you can't or are already in the registry.

If you want to donate money to a cause the only option Alice has mentioned is to support her sister Milly in the Race for Life run sponsored by Tesco and Cancer Research UK.

Alice I am so sorry that you are sick and I hope you are able to make most of your dreams come true. Have fun this weekend at Take That! And thank you for helping to raise awareness about the marrow donor registry. I'll be reading your blog from now on and will help as much as possible to publicize your list.

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Here are some of the things Alice wants to do with the time she has left:

• To make everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor
• To swim with sharks
• To go to Kenya (I can't travel there now but I wanted to))
• To enter Mabel in a regional Labrador show
• To have a photoshoot with Milly, Clarissa, Sammie and Megs
• To have a private cinema party for me and my BFFs
• To design an Emma Bridgewater Mug to sell for charity
• To stay in a caravan
• To have a purple Apple ipad but I'm not really allowed to put that on here and mum is trying to borrow one
• To be a dolphin trainer (I can't do this one either now)
• To meet Take That
• To go to Cadbury World and eat loads of chocolate
• To have a nice picture taken with Mabel
• To stay in the chocolate room at Alton Towers
• To have my hair done if they can do anything with it
• To have a back massage
• To go whale watching

An update from Anh who also suffers from MDS

Friends,

My family and I want to thank you for all of the love and support you have shown us over the last year. Words will never be able to adequately express our gratitude.

An update and good news are in order.

With regard to my health, last summer’s bleak situation has significantly improved. I am responding to medication, my blood counts are up, and I have not needed a transfusion since January. I am working my full office schedule and going to the gym every day. Even though I still have MDS, the future looks positive.

While we have not found a match for me, the work we have undertaken together has been nothing short of remarkable. We have added approximately 10,000 new donors to the National Marrow Donor Program’s Be The Match Registry. Every one of these donors gives hope to those who need a transplant now, and to those who may be diagnosed with a blood cancer in the future. In fact, we know for certain that three people we registered have matched and donated to persons needing a transplant. That means we have saved three lives in addition to potentially many more in the future!

Our efforts have attracted the attention of the media, in particular People Magazine. I was flattered to have been recognized by People as one of their “Heroes Among Us.” Through October 8, the magazine is conducting an online vote for its “Hero of the Year.” The winner will receive a $10,000 donation from OnStar to be directed to the charity of the winner’s choice. If we win, we would direct the money toward further donor registration efforts. You can vote as often as you would like (no registration necessary) at www.people.com/readerhero.

Simply put, I am not a hero -- we are all heroes. We are all heroes for registering ourselves and encouraging others to Be The Match for someone in need. Together, let’s continue to save lives and provide hope.

With all best wishes,

Anh

Read the entire People Magazine article about Dr. Anh Reiss by CLICKING HERE

Shaquille O’Neal Supports Be The Match

Read about Taylor on the Mid Dekalb news website by CLICKING HERE

Press Release from Be the Match:

Shaquille O’Neal has teamed up with Be The Match to challenge Americans to “Be the one to save a life.” Starting today, three public service announcements will hit the airwaves and the Internet to help the thousands of patients like Taylor John who need a marrow transplant.

Unlike most 15-year-old girls, Taylor isn’t eagerly anticipating her 16th birthday. She has severe sickle cell anemia and a marrow transplant is her best hope for a cure. But there is no matching donor in her family or currently on the Be The Match Registry. And because of the progression of the disease, doctors say Taylor may run out of time if a match isn’t found before her 16th birthday, which is this August.

Taylor and thousands of other patients are counting on the Be The Match Registry, whose 8 million volunteer members stand ready to become marrow donors. While many patients do find the life-saving match they need each year, more donors are needed, especially those from racially and ethnically diverse communities.

You can be the one who helps save a life. Take the first step by joining online at BeTheMatch.org.

Bid on a Custom Cartoon Illustration of You

This Auction is now Closed

Congratulations Michelle who won with a $175.00 bid

Bidding Began at $50.00

All proceeds will be donated in their entirety to help my friend and recovering Marrow Transplant Patient Roger Contreras. If you've been wanting to commission a custom, flirty, "Cartoon You" illustration (similar to the one of Tami), here is a great opportunity to order one and help someone in need at the same time. Pricing for a custom illustration normally begins at $250. This week I will be offering a single illustration* in an auction to help my friend Roger. Bidding will begin at $50 and last until noon (PST) Friday, Feb. 26th, 2010.

I will update the most current bid as quickly as possible here in this blog post.

Current Bid is:

$175.00 by Michelle

CLICK HERE to PLACE YOUR BID and to view the Terms and Conditions *The llustration includes a $250, head to toe, empty handed version (like the first one in the image above) of a custom cartoon similar to those seen on the GIRLgoesGEEK.com website that can be used for many purposes including on invitations, a business card/letterhead design or as an online web/blog/social media site avatar of yourself. If you would like the cartoon to be holding any item(s) additional fees will apply. Those fees will also be donated to Roger Contreras. Even after receiving chemo and losing his hair Roger was always smiling. With his sister/marrow donor after his transplant Roger was still smiling. As the year progressed and the complications set in and his recovery was set back further and further the pictures he posted contained fewer and fewer smiles. I'm just hoping this fundraising effort will help to put a little smile back on his face. Roger, a plumber by trade, has been unable to work ever since receiving his marrow transplant in March of 2009. This means he has been unable to earn any income for over a year as his illness (Myelodysplasia, the same blood cancer my cousin Tami also suffered from) had incapacitated him for much of 2008. Most patients who receive transplants cannot work for at least one year. Roger has had numerous post transplant complications that look as if they will keep him out of the work force even longer. You can just imagine how difficult it must be to be stressed over finances while trying to recover from a major medical procedure. This auction was the only idea I could come up with to help Roger. Please know your bid will be going to help a very deserving individual.

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A BBQ Benefit is being held in Houston, TX to help pay for Roger's final round of cancer treatment

Date & Time: Saturday, March 6th at 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Where: Vara's Sport's Bar 2727 North Freeway Houston, TX 77009-3808 (North between Calvalcade & Patton) To see more details and RSVP on Facebook just CLICK HERE

Asian Marrow Donors Urgently Needed for Natalie

Natalie is 8 years old. She has a little brother and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can visit her marrow drive website www.HopeForNatalie.com for more information about how to join the marrow registry.

After five difficult rounds of chemotherapy last year, Natalie’s leukemia was in remission. Now it’s back and she has just weeks to find the bone marrow donor match that could save her life.

Natalie's greatest chance for a match is from those of ASIAN descent. Please help spread the word through your local Asian community. It doesn't matter where in the country you live. If you are her marrow match your marrow can be collected (the process is relatively pain free) and flown to the Bay Area.

To locate a drive nationwide CLICK HERE to use the zip code locater on the National Marrow Donor Program website.

Upcoming Bay Area Drives for Natalie are at:

Pleasant Hill, CA
Host: DKMS Americas
When: Saturday February 20, 2010
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Gregory Gardens Elementary School
Address: 1 Corritone Ct, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Berkeley, CA
Host: DKMS Americas
When: Monday, February 22, 2010
Time: 12 noon to 6pm
Location: Pauley East, MLK Student Union on Cal Campus
Address: Telegraph & Bancroft, Berkeley, CA

Hope For Natalie Nakatani from Patrick Biesemans on Vimeo.

“There are so many wonderful things to say about Natalie. She is curious, joyful, artistic, a great big sister, intelligent, silly, loves life and loves to be around people. We love her so much that it hurts deeply to even be separated from her at the hospital. Our little girl needs an Asian donor match urgently, so please do whatever you can to make it a priority to get tested at the bone marrow drive. There are no matches for Natalie right now. We hope that you will be the special miracle that will save her life.” – the Nakatanis

Please Say a Prayer for Jasmina

Jasmina has taken a turn for the worse. After her stem cell transplant failed and her Leukemia relapsed her doctors discovered that her Leukemia came back in two different forms, one that is incurable. She had been holding her own until just a couple of days ago when she spiked a fever. She now has Pneumonia in both lungs and her lungs are filling with fluid because her body is not responding to the antibiotics.

This little girl has known pain and suffering no child should ever have to endure :(

She did get to meet President Barack Obama a few weeks ago. And up until a few days ago was having fun with her friends and visitors. But now her condition is critical and she may not be with us for much longer.

My heart is just breaking for her and her mom. Their friend posted in Jasmina's online journal today...

Jasmina's antibiotics are not working so her lungs are filling up with fluids. Her situation right now is critical. The doctors are trying to get the situation under control but Thea will have to make a difficult decision if this does not work.

So please say a prayer for this little girl who is going to be taken from us far too soon...

African Descent Marrow Donor Urgently Needed to Save Zyreal

Edited 1/9/2010 to add: Zyreal's dad posted in his blog today that for now a second bone marrow transplant has been put on hold indefinitely. I am still asking that if you are not already registered in the donor program to still please join. If in the near or distant future Zyreal does need a transplant it will be wonderful if there is already a match in the registry so that he doesn't have to wait at that time for a match to be located.

Now back to the original post:

I'm begging here. If you are of African descent (No matter what continent you live on) and if you are not in a National Marrow Donor Program PLEASE consider joining to help save Zyreal. Also please forward this message to anyone you know who might be able to help him.

Zyreal is an adopted 7 year old boy who suffers from Sickle Cell Anemia. He recently underwent a cord blood (stem cell) transplant to save his life but today his family found out the transplant failed. His damaged marrow is now regenerating damaged blood cells and platelets but he needs to find a match from another person before undergoing a second transplant attempt. A better match must be found ASAP.

Ethnicity is crucial. Any patient in need of a marrow transplant will most likely find a match within their own ethnic group so Zyreal needs more people of African descent to join the marrow donor program in case they are the one who is going to be able to save his life.

Joining the registry is virtually pain free. In almost all countries 4 cotton mouth swabs are used to brush the inside of your cheeks. Donating isn't pain free but it isn't nearly as painful as most people seem to think it is. Discomfort, if there is any at all in most cases is mild and short lived. You can learn more about the two donation methods by CLICKING HERE.

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IN THE UNITED STATES

If you live in the United States please go to Be the Match and enter your zip code to locate a live drive in your area:

http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_in_Person/index.html

It takes 4 cotton swabs that you wipe on the inside of your cheeks to find out if you are the match that can help Zyreal. It can then take up to 10 weeks for the test to be processed. Zyreal cannot wait so please do not delay in locating a drive.

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ALL OTHER COUNTRIES

There is also a list of international marrow programs at this link:

http://helpingtami.org/asian_stem_cell_transplant_int_marrow_programs.html

Please contact a program near you to locate a live drive. In most countries testing is simply swiping the inside of your cheeks with 4 cotton swabs. It can then take up to 10 weeks for the test to be processed. Zyreal cannot wait so please do not delay in locating a drive.

A Message from Tami Day +155

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share a belated Thanksgiving message with all of you from Tami:

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all my family, friends and supporters,

These past months I have been overwhelmed with all of your love, support and messages in person, by email, on the phone, through the mail and through my blog and website. I am so thankful for each of you and I'm hoping the best for each of you in the coming year.

Love,
Tami

Stacie here, I am happy, no, make that thrilled to report that Tami is finally feeling better! Her back isn't perfect but continues to improve. Her body also continues to recover from the transplant. And big news, her hair is starting to grow back! At day +155 post transplant she's almost halfway to her half-year mark! That will be a reason to celebrate for sure. Maybe it'll catch on, celebrating half birthdays with a cupcake :)

Other patients we know are also reporting good news.

Matthew: Is recovering from his transplant and has moved out of the hospital and into an apartment near his hospital, very similar to how Tami did. Read his blog by CLICKING HERE

Zyreal: Is 7 years old and received his transplant and is recovering, still in the hospital. Read his online journal by CLICKING HERE

Jonathan Haupt will be receiving his mini haplo (a half matched) transplant from his sister Lynn on Dec. 8th. To learn more you can read his blog by CLICKING HERE

Our friend Roger, who also had MDS just like Tami, is continuing to recover from his transplant in Texas. He received it in March of this year but is having some complications now. It took Roger a year to receive his transplant because he had no insurance. Now he cannot work and is stressed about finances. If you would like to help Roger you can purchase a $5 "Cancer Sucks • I HAVE MDS" wristband or can make a donation to a fund I started for him here on Tami's website. Just CLICK HERE to place an order or make a donation.

On a sad note little Jasmina Anema is not doing well post transplant and it is feared that she has in fact relapsed and her Leukemia is returning. Recently the Make a Wish Foundation had arranged for her to meet and talk with President Obama as well as attend the annual pardoning of the White House turkey last week, but instead was rushed to the hospital due to a seizure. Her meeting with President Obama has been postponed for now. You can read more and watch a news video about Jasmina getting ready to leave for Washington D.C. by CLICKING HERE

There is now a follow up video to that story that you can view by CLICKING HERE

2 Easy Ways You can Help Janet Find Her Cure for Cancer!

1. Business Cards
These are Janet's new business cards. You can order some from me (for free) to hand out to friends, leave a pile on your desk at work for colleagues or customers or keep a few in your wallet or purse to hand out to people you meet. CLICK HERE to place an order online.

This is the front of Janet's business cards

And this is the back

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2. Flyers
If you have a computer and a printer and somewhere to hang or hand out a flyer (i.e. your office at work, a community bulletin board, your church, a club or group, etc.) you can help me to help Janet. There are two parts to this flyer, the information sheet that you can print and hand out and the tear away tabs that can be added to the flyer for bulletin boards so that readers can take one with them to remember the website url when they go back to their computer.

(These links will open in new browser windows and may take up to 1 minute to load as they are high resolution, printable flyers.)

CLICK HERE to download the PDF of this flyer.

CLICK HERE to download the tear away tabs that can be attached to the bottom of the flyer.

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And this is Janet. You can visit her WEBSITE by CLICKING HERE. There you can learn more about her, how to join the National Marrow Donor Program and leukemia. For current updates visit her BLOG by CLICKING HERE.

Will you help her by joining the registry or by spreading the word that she needs more help and more people to register?

On August 24, 2009, 22 year old Janet Liang was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Janet is currently living in the Bay Area and is undergoing chemotherapy in the hopes that she can attain a successful remission. If the chemo fails she will need a stem cell transplant. She will then be faced with the daunting task of locating a marrow match from the national or international registries after tests revealed that her only sibling is not a match. Processing new donor samples can takeup to 2 months or more so it is crucial for people to be tested asap before her need becomes critical.

Already in the registry? No matter how long ago you signed up you will remain in the National Registry until you turn 61 years old. If you move or change your phone number you can update your contact information by CLICKING HERE.

Last year more then 4,400 people missed their opportunity to save a life when Be The Match was unable to locate them after they were a preliminary match for a patient in need.

Chinese and Asian Americans Please Help Me to Help Janet Liang

People this is the real deal. Twenty two year old Janet Liang is a patient in critical need. She was diagnosed just months ago with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (bi-phenotypic).

This is Janet's desperate truth, her plea to help her save her own life that I read last night in her most recent blog post. Many of the people who she thought would reach out to help her have not:

"I became distraught because an urgent email was sent from a coordinator at Asian Miracle Matches to 70 of my closest friends in Southern California that I was willing to burden. Only 2 of them replied. No, I’m not popular at all."

I am hoping that all of you will reach out to help her. There is something you can do. You can join the registry or if you already have I implore you to reach out to anyone you know who is of any Asian ethnicity (particularly if they are Chinese) and ask them if they have joined the registry.

Janet's match could be anyone you know and of any Aisan ethnicity whether they are a friend, family or extended family member, a colleague, neighbor, or anyone you might happen to meet in your day to day life. The base requirements are that they are 18-60 years of age and in good health.

If they say they are not in the registry please direct them to any of the following websites to learn more about the pain free registration process and the donation process that is not, contrary to popular beliefs, excruciatingly painful. Most people who donate their marrow or stem cells suffer from relatively little discomfort if any at all. Nausea and a bruised sensation is usually the worst of it. They can learn more about the donation process on theHelpingTami.org website by CLICKING HERE.

They can also learn where live drives are held nationwide or how to order a home test kit at:

Live Drives Nationwide Using their Zip Code Locater
The National Marrow Donor Program website: www.BeTheMatch.org

Southern California Live Drives
Asians for Miracle Matches website: www.AsianMarrow.org

Northern California Drives
Asian American Donor Program website: www.AADP.org

More words from Janet:

"There’s an overwhelming amount of guilt I feel and frustration, because all I can do is keep asking and begging. That’s all I’m good for these days with no guaranteed promise of the ability to return your favors. I also understand that many of you have fruitful, promising lives/futures and are extremely busy. All I can really tell you is that I have about 3-4 months time to come up with some kind of bone marrow donor match. That is nearly impossible. The pressure is on, as my doctors and bone marrow transplant coordinator continuously remind me of the time-sensitive nature of treating this disease. If not, they’ll continue to drag it on and on, keeping me alive with one chemo round after another until I become resistant to it and there’s no other alternative except an umbilical cord transplant, which will buy more time and is currently in the research/experimental stages."

Please Help Chenin Before She Runs Out of Time

Chenin Iglowitz is a 35 year old medical professional (Labor and Delivery Nurse) who is suffering from refractory, large B-cell lymphoma which has resisted two courses of chemotherapy. A higher dose of chemo followed by a stem cell transplant is her only hope. That's Chenin with her sister at her sister's graduation from med school in 2008.

At this time her need to locate a life saving donor match is critical.

Chenin is of mixed ethnicities. Simply stated she is half caucasian and half asian. Her highest likelihood of finding a matching stem cell donor will be from someone else who is also of mixed Caucasian and Asian ancestry. But her match could come from other ethnic groups so just because you don't fit this exact profile doesn't mean you couldn't be her match:

Chenin's Father's lineage is: Ashkenazi Jew, Irish, Dutch, French and English

Her Mother’s lineage is 100% Cantonese

Please note matching ethnicities are not absolutes when it comes to finding a marrow match. Often Asians who are from different countries can and do match each other. For example a Japanese person may match a Korean, or someone from India may match a patient from the Philippines. Sometimes even more rare matches occur such as an Asian person matching a Caucasian or a Caucasain matching an African American patient. So no matter what your ethnic background please get registered to see if you will be able to help save a life.

Chenin working as a nurse in 2006 at Tripler Hospital, Hawaii.

• Joining the National Marrow Donor Program is pain free and most donors only suffer mild discomfort or none at all during the donation process.

• 70% of donations are now given by blood in a newer donation method called PBSC.

• 70% of patients in need will not find a match in time.

•Only 30% of those who do find a match receive their donation from a family member. 70% are given by strangers.

How to Get Registered to see if you are Chenin's Match:

If you fit this profile or know someone who does, PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW! Chenin needs to receive her transplant while she is still healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Donors must be 18 to 61 years of age, and in good health. Please join the National Marrow Donor Program to see if you could be Chenin's life saving marrow match. Time is of the essence. Registering is free of charge but donations are appreciated.

Live National Donor Drives: Locate a live drive on the Be The Match website by CLICKING HERE and entering your zip code.

Register by Mail: You can order a home test kit, consisting of a short form and 4 cotton mouth swabs, through the AADP web site. CLICK HERE to order a kit. Where the online form asks for 'Additional notes' be sure to enter "Request expedited processing for Chenin Iglowitz.”

International Programs: If you have friends that live in other countries please ask them to register where they live. If no match is located within the U.S. the international registry will be searched for a match. View the International list of donor programs by CLICKING HERE.

If you are a match for Chenin, or any other patient in need, you will be contacted. CLICK HERE to learn more about the donation process.

Chenin Today

Tami is home and more good news....

Tonight Tami is back home with her family and sleeping in her own bed for the first time since arriving in Seattle on June 4th. I will call tomorrow for an update about how her trip home went and how she's feeling and post an update here in her blog.

I also have good news. Make that great news!

I just learned tonight that Matthew Nguyen received his stem cell transplant and is recovering at City of Hope Hospital in L.A. The match was not a 10/10 so it's likely he will suffer from GVHD but he now has a fighting chance of surviving the Leukemia that has been attacking him since his relapse in Feb of this year. Sending prayers his way and to the 24 year old anonymous donor who gave their stem cells to him.

After his first match backed out of making the donation to him in July he was reluctant to tell anyone about this donor until the transplant had taken place. More details here: http://teammatthew.org/blogs/?p=229

Helping Robert Yamada

It's so easy. You can eat at certain restaurants on specific days, take classes or even get your hair cut...

Robert and his friends Devin and Sean who saved his life by performing CPR for 40 minutes until medical help arrived at the accident scene.

If you live in Spokane, WA. and want to help another person in need there is a young man facing what one can only imagine is one of the most difficult challenges any person can ever experience. Robert was injured in a swimming accident earlier this year and is currently paralyzed from the neck down. His breath comes from a ventilator and he is in Colorado at the Craig Hospital, the nation's number one spinal cord treatment hospital. Robert will have his best chance of recovery at this particular hospital so his parents reached out and got him accepted into the treatment program there.

Skyping with his brother's help to keep in touch with friends.

His wasn't a typical diving accident. He was wading into the lake to swim with his friends when he somehow must have slipped, hitting the lake bottom with his head causing the first 4 vertebrae in his spinal column to fracture. If you would like to follow Robert's recovery you can do so by Clicking Here and subscribing to his Journal.

Robert with his parents Renea and John

Insurance will only cover the first 3 months of his treatment leaving his parents to cover $80,000+ for his final fourth month of treatment at Craig. Because of this a steady stream of fundraisers is taking place in Spokane. I wanted to let all of you know so that if you live there you can participate by attending or volunteering at any of the upcoming events. If you don't live in Spokane but would like to make a contribution to help his family just CLICK HERE:

(More Photos and Story Below)

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When: Saturday, Oct 10th
Wine and Cheese Gallery Event
Where: Gallery of Thum 159 S. Lincoln Suite 151 Steam Plant Square
Time: Regular hours 11AM - 5PM AND EVENT hours 6 - 8:30PM
Cost: $10.00 ( All door fee will be donated to the Friends of Robert Fund)
This special event is being sponsored by the Gallery of Thum! The fine wines and cheeses provided by the Friends of Robert committee.

See the special artworks by select artists provided for the event. Editor, Charity B. Doyl of Northwest Women Magazine will be with us!

This months charitable focus is Robert Yamada who was recently paralyzed in a swimming accident on Lake Roosevelt. A percentage of all sales for the day will be donated to the Friends of Robert Fund.

If you can't make it during the event, stop by during normal business hours to support Robert. We have his silver bracelet that says "Pray Believe Expect Miracles" for sale for just $5.00. There is also a donation jar available.

Mark your calendars and come to this fantastic event sponsored by the Gallery of Thum!

For more information you can call Cecile at (509) 294-9234
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When: Oct 11th
Twigs Bistro Benefit Dinner for Robert
Where: Twigs Bistro - South Hill Location
Time: 5:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: $60.00 per person
Twigs Bistro of Spokane, Egger's Better Meats and Just American Desserts are coming together to put on a wonderful dinner to benefit Robert Yamada.

Egger's Meats will be donating the prime rib and king crab, Just American Desserts will be donating the delicious desserts, and Twigs is donating their services!

Just $60.00 a plate. Make your reservations now by either stopping by the Twigs South Hill location or calling 443-8000. Don't miss this delicious dinner!
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When: October 12th, 2009
Haircuts for Friends of Robert Yamada
Where: Angelina Salon & Spa. 8701 N. Division Suite H
Time: 9 AM to Noon AND 2 PM to 7 PM
Cost: Only $15.00
The awesome stylists at Angelina's Salon & Spa are generously donating their time and talents on Oct 12th to cut hair for the Friends of Robert Fund. Each haircut is only $15.00 and ALL money collected will go to the Friends of Robert fund. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served. Tell your friends, co-workers,family and friends about this fantastic event. WALK INS ONLY Please! Thank you for your support!!!
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When: Saturday, October 24th
SELF DEFENSE CLASS
Where: Highland Park United Methodist Church 611 So. Garfield (Across the freeway from the old Costco)
Time: 5 - 9:30 PM
Cost: $40.00 Per Person
Self defense instructors Jerry Yamada and Brian Goodwin are donating their time and skills to teach us how to defend ourselves in any situation. ALL money paid to participate in this class will go to the FRIENDS OF ROBERT FUND.

Please no children under 15 yrs old.

Class size is limited, so call and make your reservation today!

Call Dawn at 991-4811 or 443-0754.
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When: Currently Ongoing Promotion
Lalo's Pizza & Calzones
Where: Lalo's Pizza 817 S. Perry
Call 533-5265 and order your pizzas today! Lalo's pizza is donating 15% off all pizzas ordered when you say YOU'RE A FRIEND OF ROBERT'S!

Enjoy a delicious pizza while helping add to our Friends of Robert Fund. You can either take your pizza already baked, or take it home and bake it yourself at a time more convenient for you and your family.

(Lalo's is located in the old excell building on Perry)
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Tshirt and Hoodies Sale
When: On sale NOW
Where: Egger Meats ( south hill store)
Time:
Cost: $15.00 tshirt / $35.00 Hoodies
The T-shirts and hoodies are ON SALE NOW. On the front is the word "ganbatte" which means "come on" or encouragement, written in Japanese charactures. On the back it says "Friend of Robert Yamada". They are both charcoal grey in color. Order yours today by calling Keri at 844-2816 or Patty at 413-3311 or Dawn at 991-4811.

Thank you for showing your support by wearing your t-shirt or hoodie today!!
_______________________________________________________

Upcoming Fundraisers are always posted on the www.FriendsofRobertYamada.org website

Robert and his girlfriend Brittany at the Craig Hospital

It will take months and possibly as long as two years to discover how much permanent damage was done to Robert's spinal cord. He may someday be able to breathe on his own and hopefully will regain the ability to move his arms and walk again.

A quiet moment at Craig hospital. Robert is now mobile using a breath controlled "puff and sip" electric wheelchair.

Yesterday Robert went out on his first field trip since arriving in Colorado. A trip to the aquarium with his mom, dad, nurse, respiratory therapist and other patients turned out to be a lot of fun and as his mom said in his journal, "A huge confidence booster." I hope to read more stories about new adventures in his journal very soon.

In case you're wondering, I don't personally know Robert but I do know his dad and uncle as I went to school and church with them when I was younger. When his Uncle posted on Facebook what had happened the day of the accident I don't know why but I felt an instant connection to Robert. Realizing what he and his family were facing I knew that they would need all of the love, support and prayers that people could give them, whether they know them or not. I know many of you who read Tami's blog don't know her in person but your prayers, support and encouraging messages you send have helped (me) so much that I just wanted to give back to another family in a similar situation of need.

Holding On to Hope... Please say a prayer for Nick Glasgow

Tonight I read that Nick Glasgow has relapsed.

It took me a few minutes to let that sink in.

Each time I read about the relapse of another patient I've come to know of online it feels like a kick in the gut. If you recall, Nick is the 27 year old, 3/4 Caucasian 1/4 Japanese, Bay Area man who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia this year. He's also the patient who was told there was 0% chance of him finding a marrow match. To that end his family, friends and complete strangers around the world rallied to his cause and in two months time two 10/10 matches had been located for him. He received his transplant about a month after Tami and had been dealing with many of the similar post transplant issues Tami has been dealing with.

The last blog post his Grandpa had posted on September 9th was one of great news. He said that Nick was "cancer free."

And then on the 28th he posted that the day before they had learned that the cancer had come back.

His Grandpa said:

"Nick took the dreadful news with great equanimity and shook the doctor’s hand and said “thank you for giving me a chance” with the transplant. From among the limited options left, Nick elected to have hospice care at home. Stanford will release Nick as soon as they have his graft/host disease under better control….which will be either Monday or Tuesday of next week. There is still a tiny sliver of a chance (one in a million) that Nick’s new stem cells will somehow overcome the cancer. Our high hopes for Nick’s recovery have been crushed by this terrible news and we are all sick at heart. Only a miracle can save Nick now."

So please, say a prayer for Nick. Keep him in your thoughts. Hold on to hope that Nick will receive another miracle, that his new stem cells will overcome the new leukemic cells and he will once again attain remission. Praying, praying, praying...

Another cancer patient needs our help

Up until 2005, Kim Mower was running her own business, Kim's Key Lime Pies and Coffee Shop, on Solomons Island in Maryland and raising her two children as a single mom. Her baking supplied the restaurants on the island with desserts. Then in that year tragedy struck when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can't even begin to imagine how devastating such a diagnosis would be. For 11 months, Kim was required to travel to Balimore, Maryland to receive treatment.

Kim was lucky that the restaurants she supplied with her desserts were willing to work with her and take whatever good she could produce and luckily the town helped cook meals for her and her children.

Unfortunately, Kim's cancer has relapsed and has now spread to her bones. Kim's treatment including chemotherapy is very costly.

On Sunday, August 2nd, beginning at 1 p.m. a benefit will be held for Kim at the Tiki Bar located at 81 Charles Street, Solomons, Maryland. There will be 2 stages of Live Entertainment, on site seated massages available, hot dogs, hamburgers and a pig roast. It will be a great day of fun and you will be helping Kim pay for her expensive treatments that she needs.

You can find all the information regarding the cancer benefit for Kim by joining the Facebook group or through the Tiki Bar's website. If you cannot attend the fundraiser you can also make donations for Kim by mailing a check to the address found here.

Kim and her children could use all of our prayers, thoughts, and monetary donations that we are able to give at this time. It is very important.

Another patient in need gets great news!!

Back on May 21, 2009, we told you the story of Nick Glasgow. As you will recall, Nick was searching for a bone marrow match. Unfortunately, Nick's doctors told him he had a zero percent chance of finding a donor. Well, it seems Nick has had a miracle!

We recently received an update on Nick's progress and we were happy to learn it was excellent news! Like Tami, Nick has found two matches!! This is a message from Nick's mom.

We learned yesterday afternoon that Stanford Cancer Center has found two donor matches for Nick out of the thirteen potential matches that had been developed by the national registry. Human leukocytes antigen (HLA) typing is used to match patients and donors for transplants. The immune system uses these antigens (markers) to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. Stanford was searching for aset often markers for the best match. Each of the two donor matches that were discovered, match tenout often criterion markers. Further evaluation needs to occur on the two donors by Stanford before a final selection can be made. Moreover, up until the actual transplant event,the national registry will continue to search for other possible donors that might make an even better match. 

In any event it looks like Nick is going to get his chance at a transplant procedure which is heartening indeed for all of us. Nick and his family are so very grateful to all those people behind the scenes at EMC, as well as the other large companies that joined in, The Asian-American Donor Program, the Be The Match Donor Program, all the media involved, and the Stanford/Kaiser medical teams that have helped bring about this hopeful development. We are equally thankful for all of the outpouring of personal support by individuals all over this land and around the globe for their good wishes, prayers, support, and for all the donor volunteers who have come forward this past month.

Five weeks ago, we received the devastating news that there was 0% chance of finding a donor. Due to all of the overwhelming support and response to our call to action, not one, but TWO 10 out of 10 matching markers have been found and secured. We have not been told who these angels are due to confidentiality reasons, but we are so grateful for them! Both donors will be prepped, as well as Nick, for a transplant, which should take place within 30 days. Nick still has a long road ahead of him, so we ask that you continue to keep him, as well as both donors, in your thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant. We ask you to continue to spread the word for the need for donors, as Stanford will continue to search for even more perfect matches, until the actual transplant day. Also, we never want any family to experience the hopelessness of not being able to find a donor match. The harsh reality is that there are thousands of people just like Nick waiting for a donor match to be found. Time is ticking away and they need your help too. Please continue to spread the word that every person ‘in good health’ should be tested and enlisted into the registry. Time is of the essence! This is Nick’s wish, and ours, that every person should have a fighting chance!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God Bless!

You can follow Nick's progress through his Facebook group. We will also continue to update his status.  

We could not be happier for Nick!!! This is such awesome news!

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post

Mario Lopez on Extra features Krissy Kobata

Last night I was watching EXTRA and all of a sudden host Mario Lopez starts talking about Krissy Kobata and Be The Match, the National Marrow Donor Program. As always I had my camera nearby and grabbed a few screen shots.

26 year old Krissy Kobata also suffers from Myelodysplasia, just like Tami. However where Tami has found 2 marrow matches within 3 months of her diagnosis Krissy has been looking for a match for over a year and has not found a single one. As she said on EXTRA at some point her marrow will either stop working altogether or she may become one of the even less fortunate 30% for whom the disease will progress to become Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Krissy needs to find a marrow match. Could you be the one? Right now is a great time to join the registry as the cost to have your tissue typed is FREE due to the Marrowthon that runs through June 22, 2009 or until funding runs out to register 46,000 new donors. You can order a FREE home test kit by Clicking Here to go to the Be The Match website.

Here host Mario Lopez perfectly illustrates what the home test kit looks like as he shows his tv audience that it only takes a swab to join the Registry. Thanks to Mario, EXRTRA and NBC for helping to spread the word about the Krissy and the donor program. We need all of the help we can get!

CLICK HERE to view the video clip on EXTRA online.

Posted by Stacie (Tami's cousin)

Doctor who needs transplant plays the waiting game

A new news article about Dr. Anh Reiss who, like Tami, also suffers from Myelodysplasia. Today the Houston Chronicle did a story featuring Doctor Reiss and shared information about the Marrowthon. Anh needs more people of Vietnamese descent to join the Marrow Registry if she is going to find a match in time.

Houston Chronicle Article: Doctor who needs transplant plays the waiting game

You can learn more about Anh and how to help at:

The Team Anh website and at her Facebook Group

The Marrowthon runs from June 8th-22nd and testing is FREE to all who order a home test kit during this time period. After the Marrowthon tissue typing for Caucasians will return to $25-$52 per person.

Photo above by: Michael Paulsen Chronicle

Posted by Stacie (Tami's cousin)

Everyone Registers for Free Online during the Bone Marrowthon June 8th-22nd

The Marrowthon is JUNE 8-22, 2009

The $52 testing fee is waived and

ALL ETHNICITES REGISTER FOR FREE ONLINE

Please tell EVERYONE you know.

Go to http://join.marrow.org. When prompted use Promo Code:
JonGalinson2

In 2008, Jon was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, and has been undergoing chemotherapy for 7 months. HIs best hope for a cure and a future with his wife and daughters is a stem cell transplant. Please help us find a match for Jon and the 6000 other Americans in need.

Jon and His Family

Please tell everyone you know. Copy and paste this message into an email along with the promo code or send the link to this page to everyone you know. We really need your help to spread the word.

A Little Boy Needs Your Prayers

As you know, we are always trying to help other patients in need.  Right now a little boy by the name of Grant is in need of prayers.

Grant is shown here on the left.  He is an adorable, almost 3 year old toddler, that was very recently diagnosed with Leukemia (specifically Phillidelphia Chromosome Positve Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or "ALL").  Grant's mom noticed his tummy was very bloated and hard and decided to to take him to the ER when she had a bad feeling about her son.  Right now Grant is scheduled to have chemotherapy for the next three years and four months to keep the cancer at bay.  For the first year of chemotherapy Grant will have to remain somewhat isolated but after that he should be able to do all things other kids can.

You can read Grant's entire story on his website.  Right now his family is just asking for your prayers for Grant.  I will be thinking of Grant everyday and praying for his remission. 

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post