Marrow Donation: A Personal Account Update

Jeff Narvid, Vice President of Product Development

Since last month’s article, many people have asked for an update on the condition of the patient who received my bone marrow donation. I have indeed received an update, and it’s good news! The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) has informed me that the transplant was successful and that the recipient’s condition has improved enough for her to return home from the hospital! Although this is only the beginning of her recovery, the outcome at this stage couldn’t be better.

It is quite possible, however, that despite this hopeful beginning, the recipient could suffer a future setback that requires a second donation. According to the NMDP, “nine percent of marrow and PBSC donors have given one or more additional blood donations for the same patient.” I’ve informed the NMDP that if this happens, I would be willing to donate again in the future. For the patient’s sake, however, I hope that it isn’t necessary.

I expect the NMDP to contact me again within the next few months with more information on the status of the patient, as well as with any possible requests for additional donations. I’ll write more when I know more!

–by Jeff Narvid, Vice President of Product Development

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