HAPPY NEW YEARS FROM THE PRESERVE OUR LEGACY FAMILY!
I hope everyone obtained what they wanted for the holidays. I wanted to wait until after the holidays to discuss what has been an extreme topic from numerous of individuals that know the work that is done by our company. In December, the 9th circuit panel of three judges voted unanimously to overturn the ruling of the NOTA of bone marrow donors not being compensated.
According to the 9th circuit panel, due to new medical techniques, now,there is an essentially risk-free technique — called apheresis — for obtaining the stem cells not from hip bones but from the arms — the bloodstreams — of donors as they rest for six or so hours in a recliner (retrieved from http://www.newsmax.com/GeorgeWill/Bone-Marrow-Donors-Compensated/2011/12/30/id/422579).
From our perspective and our relationship with Kumud Majumder, we, as an organization, believe that compensation, will definitely increase the level of survival for patients in need. However, many must understand the odds of being a match are still very slim due to the limited number of donors from various ethnic communities. Presently, five ethnic groups, Hispanic, African-Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, American Indians are comprised between 28-31% of the National Registry for bone marrow & Umbilical cord blood donation, while Caucasians are between 61 to over 70% of the registry for bone marrow and umbilical cord blood donors. These staggering percentages have been in the same variation for over 20 years (since 1991 joining all groups together for National Efforts). Those from various ethnic diverse groups have increased the least, this is why my husband and I started Preserve Our Legacy to try to make a difference and increasing awareness in such ethnic communities and establish Jaden's Law throughout America.
This new ruling would possibly encourage more individuals to sign up, in hopes of being compensated. Although it is not a direct cash payment, it can be in a form of scholarships, housing allowances, or contributions to charities chosen by donors. The program would initially target potential minority and mixed-race donors who are likely to have marrow cell types that are the most difficult to match(retrieved from http://www.newsmax.com/GeorgeWill/Bone-Marrow-Donors-Compensated/2011/12/30/id/422579). Some believe this would be a wrong motive, however, in the possibility to save anothers life, what other option can be applied. Many are familiar with Jaden's story. In 2006, there was only 4% available for African-Americans. Imagine if this ruling pertaining to NOTA was established, maybe Jaden would be here today, along with the thousands that have lost their lives.
We just want people to be aware that you still have to be a genetic match in order to be a donor. The more ethnic people that register the better the odds of someone finding a match.
Preserve Our Legacy, Inc. has a lot on the horizon for 2012! Branching the Preserve Our Legacy Umbilical Cord Blood program to different states, establishing Jaden's Law in other states, and MUCH MORE to come. For more information about us: www.preserveourlegacy.org
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