Amanda defeated the odds of finding a match and found a cord blood match. She received her transplant in Sept 2010. She is currently in remission. Amanda tells her story, expresses her gratitude for the act of kindness of her donor and how cord blood can help save a life: When I was diagnosed with leukemia I was told I needed a stem cell transplant to live. I was told there was no match for me on the national marrow registry and because ethnicity plays a huge factor when trying to find a bone marrow match the chance of finding a match for me was like finding a needle in a haystack. Because I am half Filipino and half Caucasian I would most likely find a match with someone of Filipino or of Asian descent. Then one day against the odds a cord blood match was found for me. Because of someone’s act of kindness I was given a second chance at life. You can do the same for someone else. Cord blood is donated at the time of a baby’s birth. Donating cord blood is not harmful to the mother or baby. Another way to donate is to join the National Marrow Registry. A simple swab of the mouth is required and you will only be called if you are a match to someone. YOU can be the one to save a life.
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