The Beehive Waxing Salon & �Beehive Girl� Catherine Lugo Invite You to Join the...
�Be The Match� Registry of the National Bone Marrow Donor Program
Sept. 26th, 8am to 3pm*... all-day event!
An opportunity to learn more about the rewards of making a difference in life for an individual whose only chance for survivial is a matching marrow donor. Join Catherine and others...
I remember everything vividly, the day I found out that I was a match... where I was, what the weather was like, what I was wearing, and the first person I told. I was heading home from L.A. after spending the day shopping with a friend. We were on the Amtrak train, and I got the call. I was placed on speaker phone.
My mother and my sister, Kellie, wanted to tell me together. "Guess what, Catherine?" a coy Kellie asked. I could hardly contain myself because part of me already knew what she was going to say, and the other part of me was anxious to hear the words.
"What?" I squeaked out.
"You're my match!" Kellie said with timid excitement.
Three simple words, carrying the weight of our world in them. I was her chance. Her body and mine were most alike out of anyone; it made me feel closer to her than ever. I was ready.
Kellie had been diagnosed with AML leukemia in October of 2006. She went through chemotherapy to try and fight her cancer, but like most patients suffering from her particular form of leukemia, a bone marrow transplant was needed to put her cancer into remission. So you see transplants save lives. I have never before had the opportunity to help save a life and let me tell you, the feeling is overpowering.
I felt such a range of emotions... everything from being excited to nervous. I didn't want to let anyone down or complain since what I was about to embark on medically paled in comparison to the fight my sister was currently in the middle of. But I will admit this, I have a debilitating fear of needles and blood. The sight of blood makes me weak in the knees, and just thinking about needles makes my palms sweat. So how was I going to over come all this and perform the task at hand?
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle Washington guided me through the donation process with compassion and patience. They sympathized with my phobias and were with me every step of the way!
I performed a PBSC donation. Basically they extract marrow cells through the blood. That means no anesthesia, and virtually no recovery time. Two weeks prior the donation I received a series of injections in my abdomen to build up marrow cells in my blood. The injections were so small I swear I didn't even feel them go in.
On the day of the transplant, I was hooked up to a machine that gathered my cells and deposited them in a bag for Kellie. I sat there and ate cookies, watched TV and chatted with my Mom. Piece of cake!
Kellie's transplant was on May 27, 2007. It was one of the most important days of her life. Other than the birth of her children, I cannot think of another day where something meant more to her than this. She was fighting for her life, and my marrow was there to assist her in her fight.
I would do this again in a heartbeat, in a blink of an eye, I would shout, "yes!" To be a living donor, to help save a life, leaves you in awe of your recipient, and in awe of yourself. It changed my life... it can change yours.
* 'Be The Match' Marrow Registration
8am to 2pm
Above: Kellie and Catherine, May 27, 2007... the day of the transplant.
Below: Watch Catherine Join the Registry!
Join us at the Beehive Salon & Boutique "Be The Match!" Event Saturday, September 26th 8:00am to 3:00pm*
Come by for just a visit or book your appointmentand join the "Be The Match" Marrow Registry. It's easy and quick to get screened & join the registry.
Free food, fun and festivities,sidewalk sale, raffle prizes and a special "thank you" goodie bag for those who attend!
* 'Be The Match' Marrow Registration 8am to 2pm
"Be The Match" Event Partners:
The Tidewater Bar & Grill
The Belly Up
Pacific Grill
The French Bakery Carlsbad
Fire Mountain Spine & Rehabilitation Center
Witch Creek Winery
Creative Photography, Inc.
Tan By The Sea
Teresa at DeStefano's Salon Carlsbad
... and, many more!
