I keep this picture of the boys when they were in the NICU on my desk at work. It reminds me of just how far we have come.My original due date with the boys was February 19th, but due to several acronyms (PPROM and HELLP), I delivered a little over 10 weeks early on December 7th.
It's no secret that I beat myself up (and still do) because I felt like I let my boys down when my body failed to carry them longer. I find myself getting fussy and bummed around mid-February, when I should have been having my boys.
We are so blessed the boys were so healthy after being born at only 29 weeks -- all breathing room air, no NEC, no brain bleeds, closed PDA, no retinophathy, really no issues what-so-ever. Truly miraculous.Flash forward to today when I got a call from our local blood donation center asking for me to set up my next appointment.
I'm very lucky to have a universal blood type AND be negative for a virus called CMV. Almost 90% of the population tests positive for CMV ... it's very rare not to ever get infected. CMV infection is usually mild, but it may be serious or fatal in those who are immunocompromised. Particularly at risk are low-birth weight infants and bone marrow and organ transplant patients.
For years, I have always donated blood every eight weeks, and every time I donate, my blood gets marked with a special sticker and a call is made to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Before I have even finished donating, a messenger is there from the hospital with a cooler waiting for my blood.
I'm thrilled that I am helping some child every time I donate. But, in light of Brady's diagnosis and other dear friends that are battling cancer right now, I have decided it is time to list myself on the National Bone Marrow Donor Program.
I asked the blood donation bank to do a tissue test for bone marrow registry while I was there giving blood.
The date of my appointment ... February 19th. To clarify, I didn't request that date. It was what was given to me.
Everything happens for a reason ...
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4 comments:
good on you for being a donor :)
I love that picture from the NICU. You did a great job and continue to do so! Your children are gorgeous!
Congrats on deciding to become a Bone Marrow Donor! I have been registered for a few years now and I would do it in a heartbeat. Our daycare is doing a blood drive for our Children's Hospital - where Alex spent a week - and I think I am going to donate blood for the first time!
Indeed, everything DOES happen for a reason! I got chills and tears in my eyes when I saw the date for your donation. Good for you! I do the blood thing (haven't been able to donate the last few times because I'm either borderline anemic or my blood pressure's too low), but haven't done the bone marrow thing-- I think I might!!
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