Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Younger Bone Marrow Registry Members 10 Times More Likely to Be Called

From BeTheMatch.com:
Be The Match® recruiters across the country are spreading the word that people between the ages of 18 and 44 are especially needed to save more lives. In fact, registry members in this age group are 10 times more likely to be called as a potential donor than other members of the registry.

Transplant doctors weigh many factors when selecting a donor for one of their patients; the age of the donor is one of them. This reflects research findings that patients who receive cells from younger donors have a better chance at long-term survival after transplant. Younger donors produce more and higher-quality cells than older donors, and transplants with a high number of quality cells improve the chances of success.

Recruitment efforts are changing to respond to this need. College initiatives will continue to grow. Recruiters are asking sponsors, patient families, and partners to focus their drive efforts on attracting younger, committed registry members.

The age range for joining and being listed on the registry has not changed. Those who are between the ages of 18 and 60, meet health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need, are still welcome to join the registry.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Article Inspires Woman to Give Kidney to Stranger

What an amazing story about 8-year-old NFT patient Jaquilyn Shaw and her altruistic kidney donor!

 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Valentines From the Heart

What a sweet story! This group of second graders is raising money in honor of NFT patient Joe Cox, who is awaiting a lifesaving double-lung transplant. Joe's young granddaughter Jordan told her classmates about his need for a transplant, and they're hoping to raise $1,000!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ethan Zohn on His Second Stem Cell Transplant Surgery: 'I'm Scared'

The following article is from EverydayHealth.com:


It hasn’t been a typical bout of cancer for Ethan Zohn. In the almost four months since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma for the second time, he has run a marathon and half-marathon, helped raise millions of dollars by spinning, and, oh yeah, dyed his hair pink.

Zohn participated in a Cycle for Survival event in San Francisco on Feb. 4 and is heading back to New York to spin again at an event the very next weekend. Cycle for Survival, a team cycling event, was founded by Jennifer Goodman Linn and her husband Dave after she was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2007. Jennifer died last July, but her legacy lives on through the event, which has raised more than $9 million for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and helped fund over 25 clinical trials and research studies.

Participating in Cycle for Survival is important to Zohn, who first became involved with the fundraiser three years ago. “In 2009 I wasn’t able to ride because I had just emerged from my stem cell transplant. So I showed up at the event with a mask and gloves,” says Zohn. “I was that guy, but it was alright.”

This time around, Zohn was able to lace up and ride for two and a half hours. “They are raising money for rare cancers and the money goes to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, all of which is me,” he says. “I have a rare cancer and I’m getting treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering.”

Another huge draw for Zohn is that just about anyone can participate. “I love the concept because it’s not a marathon, it’s not a walkathon, it’s not some crazy event,” he says. “It’s easy and accessible. I mean, who can’t ride a stationary bike, right?”

Prepping for Cancer Surgery
Zohn completed his sixth and final ”smart chemo” treatment (with a chemotherapy drug called Adcetris, which only targets the cancerous cells so has less harsh side effects) and is now preparing himself for his second stem cell transplant. “This has been the easy part,” he said.

Whereas Zohn’s first stem cell transplant used his own body’s stem cells, this time around he’ll use stem cells from one of his brothers. (Zohn still doesn’t know which brother was the match. “They won’t tell me which one, because I might start treating him differently,” he has said.)

While he is normally a talkative and upbeat guy, the subject of his surgery casts a shadow and sense of dread on Zohn's personality. “I’m extremely… I’m scared. I’m nervous. I’m anxious,” he admits. “I’ve done it before. It’s not anything you want to do again. You don’t want to go through that twice.”

Zohn’s Surprise Plans for Valentine’s Day
Before he checks into the hospital, though, Zohn has some very big plans with girlfriend and Everyday Health co-host Jenna Morasca. The couple will have a one-two celebration, first on Valentine’s Day and then on her birthday, Feb 15. “Trust me, one present doesn’t work out. It’s separate presents.”

While his plans for the romantic portion of the day are top secret, Zohn and Morasca will begin their day in an unconventional way. “We’re going to start Valentine’s Day with a nice, wonderful trip to Memorial Sloan Kettering because I have a doctor’s appointment,” he says.

No matter how he celebrates, at least his hair will have a festive look. Last week, Zohn and Morasca both dyed their hair pink. “It was solidarity for World Cancer Day,” he says.

As for his freshly shaved Mohawk, consider it a prophylactic style. “I’m going to lose it within the first five days of the stem cell transplant,” he says. “So I might as well do something with it that I enjoy.”

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February Patient of the Month: Steven Gittens


In 2008, Steven Gittens' doctor sent him to the hospital after an EKG revealed elevated heart palpitations. He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Steven is no stranger to heart disease, as he has an extensive family history of heart issues on his father's side. Although Steven has visited countless doctors and tried many treatment options, his condition continues to drastically worsen. On January 21, 2012, doctors implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which will act as a mechanical heart while he awaits a lifesaving heart transplant.

Despite his health challenges, Steven always has a smile on his face and is thankful for the support of his family and friends during this difficult time. This former college football player looks forward to the lifesaving transplant that will allow him to return to his active lifestyle. More than anything, he wants to spend many more years watching his teenage daughter grow up. But he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $1 million. And that's only the beginning. Even with health coverage, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, Steven will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very costly, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

To learn more about Steven or to make a donation to help with his transplant-related expenses, visit his page on the NFT website.


February is American Heart Month, a time when people are encouraged to evaluate their lifestyles and learn the symptoms of heart disease to protect themselves and their families.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Each minute, someone in the U.S. dies from a heart disease-related event.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Charleston Woman Needs Double-Lung Transplant

Watch the video below to learn more about NFT patient Chantay Evans-Glisson and her battle with sarcoidosis. If you'd like to make a donation to assist with her transplant-related expenses, visit her page on our website.

Monday, February 6, 2012

January Transplant Birthdays

We are so happy for our patients who received lifesaving transplants last month! At NFT, we realize this is the first step toward a new life, and we will be here as they continue fundraising to afford their vital medications and follow-up care.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day


Did you know that heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined? Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day, a time for everyone to show their support of women's heart health!

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America. However, most women fail to make the connection between heart disease risk factors and their personal risk of developing the disease.

At NFT, we'll be wearing red to show our support for the 814 women awaiting a lifesaving heart transplant!