“I’m Black and I Can’t Find A Donor To Save My Life!”

African-Americans and other Minorities Have A Harder Time Finding A Bone Marrow Donor That Could Save Their Lives

Claflin University students register as bone marrow donors at a campus registry drive (Image: Be The Match)

                       
The Conflict
I never knew that a bone marrow registry existed until I discovered I was in need of a donor for my second bone marrow transplant. In December 2009 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood or a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. I was 29.

In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow, forming tumors in areas of solid bone. The growth of these tumors makes it harder for the bone marrow to produce normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Although there is no cure for multiple myeloma, a bone marrow transplant (or stem cell) is considered the best treatment option to ensure survival.

After having my first bone marrow transplant in May 2010 (using my own stem cells), the cancer returned 4 months later. My hematologist strongly suggested to have another bone marrow transplant, this time the stem cells would come from a donor. I could not find a donor in my own family because I am an only child. Thus, the next approach would be to find a donor within my own race through the National Marrow Donor Program (now known as Be The Match).

With a registry of more than 9 million potential donors it would seem more than possible to find a match. But when you are of color, it’s not that simple. During the search I learned a devastating truth: there is a critical shortage of African-Americans in the bone marrow registry; only 650,000 potential donors-about 7 percent-are black. This severely limits a black person’s chance of receiving a transplant that could save their life. The same is true for other minorities: American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Hispanic and Latino.

Also, black patients have a harder time finding donors “because those whose ancestors migrated from Africa are 50 percent more genetically diverse than those with European — American heritage,” according to a report done by the National Marrow Donor Program. Since I could not find a donor, I endured a more intense transplant using my own stem cells and received high-dose chemotherapy. The transplant was not as successful as I hoped; the cancer returned 5 months later. I am still in battle with this cancer and I intend to win!

The Resolution
Awareness is lacking in the African-American community regarding the importance of becoming a bone marrow donor. It seems that we only learn about this when someone we know life is at stake. Education is the key to shattering myths and misconceptions that permeates throughout the black and other minority communities. Blood cancers and other life threatening diseases is not just an African-American (or black) issue; it’s a human race issue. The lack of bone marrow donors-no matter what race or ethnicity they are-affects us all.

Getting stricken with a disease is not something individuals want nor ask for. What they do ask is for the chance to live life to the fullest and to become all that God destined them to be. They too are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Who are we to rob them of living?

Let’s not wait until we hear about someone losing their life. That person could be a close friend, a loved one, or yourself. We should take time to educate ourselves on this matter and strive to become that person who saves a life. To become a bone marrow donor is simple, confidential and free of charge. To save someone's life begins with a swab from the inner cheek. People can register at a local drive or online at http://www.marrow.org/.


Links/Resources
Myths & Facts About Bone Marrow Donation
FAQ's about Joining the Registry
The Need For Donors

The Return of BlabberMouth4u ;-)

Hello Everyone,
After taking a much needed hiatus from blogging due to serious health challenges, I am happy to announce the return of my blog BlabberMouth4u;-). My return date will be Monday, January 2, 2012. I hope you will enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing for you. If you like this blog, please feel free to subscribe and tell others about this blog.
Also, to celebrate the return of my blog, I am having my very first giveaway. Whoo Hoo!! (get excited!). I will be giving away accessories (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) from one of my favorite stores-Charlotte Russe! You can enter to win...details coming soon. 
Thank you for being patient as I continue to recover and restore my health. It is truly a honor and a privilege being a BlabberMouth4u;-).

Preview: 'Dark Girls', A Documentary on Color Bias in Black Culture

"I can remember being in the bathtub asking my mom to put bleach in the water so that my skin would be lighter and so that I could escape the feelings I had about not being as beautiful, as acceptable, as lovable."

"She's pretty for a dark-skinned girl ...What is that supposed to mean?"


"I use to wish I can wake up one day lighter or wash my face and think that it would change. I thought it was dirt and I tried to clean it off, but it wouldn't come off ."

"They used to say,'Here comes blacky. Here comes tar baby...You stayed in the oven too long.' "

'Dark Girl' Movie Poster  Photo: www.darkgirlsmovie.com

These are some the sad and disturbing excerpts from interviews in the upcoming documentary Dark Girls, a film that explores deeply rooted attitudes and beliefs about skin color that are experienced particularly by dark-skinned women within and outside the African American culture. In the preview, dark-skinned women give their personal account on how difficult it can be for the darkest Black woman to feel accepted in a world where light-skinned women (Black or not) are considered more attractive and desirable.   


The preview  reveals a sad truth: racism is a disease that still continues to plague our society; colorism is one of the lingering side effects of racism. Blacks have been mistreated by Whites and other races/ethnicities for centuries primarily due to their skin color. Unfortunately, most of us African Americans have adopted the European standard of beauty, causing us to lower our self esteem, our confidence, and our pride. It also causes us to become racist and prejudice towards our own people whether we realize it or not.


"There's places I have gone that there's just a lot of whites, and they would tell me, 'You have such beautiful skin'...It's really questionable to me. Why is it that they think I'm beautiful but my own people don't see any beauty in me at all." says another dark-skinned woman. 

Preference is one thing, but it doesn't mean that others (that are not preferred or desirable) are unattractive, unappealing or inhuman. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Although this issue is not new in black community, this documentary could help open our eyes a little wider to make us more aware that it is simply wrong to judge another person by the color of their skin; it is the content of their character that determines their true beauty.

It is time that we rise above this issue, that we learn to love ourselves and others-regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity-unconditionally. If we have the desire to do so, it starts with us. Blaming others is a vicious cycle that leads to nowhere. While it is good to acknowledge the root of the problem, let us move on to the solution. Let love prevail!

For more info visit the following websites:

Dark Girls Fan Page

Official Dark Girls Movie Website

What Christians Can Learn From Harold Camping's Mistake

A billboard on Fort St. in downtown Detroit put up by Family Radio. Source: NIRAJ  WARIKOO/DFP

Don't get it twisted, I am not writing this blog post from heaven (although that would be cool ;-]). I didn't get "caught up" in the Rapture and face Judgment Day on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 6 p.m. as Rev. Harold Camping and his followers predicted. No, it didn't happen at all (not that I believed it would).

So, what did happen?

As far as I'm concerned, a disaster did happen that day. Once again, Rev. Camping made a complete idiot out of himself by being over confident in his prediction, claiming that he won't be wrong this time because he has figured out the Bible and "the Bible guarantees it," as his billboards state. (In 1992, Camping predicted the Rapture would occur September 1994, but of course, he was wrong.)

What?!?! The Bible guarantees it !?!? Maybe I missed something, but can someone show me in the Bible where it says the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011 followed by the destruction of the universe on Oct. 21-five months later?

I find it very unwise and arrogant of Camping to post billboards across the nation that reads, "The Bible Guarantees It...Judgment Day May 21...Cry mightily unto God". Not only is this so-called prophecy inaccurate, but has also deceived hundreds of people (including Camping's followers).

One of the primary purposes of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity but to motivate us to change our lives. If this prediction urged people (non-believers) to surrender their lives to Christ, it would not be genuine; it would only be out of fear because they were told the world is going to end today.

Let me explain what MY Bible says. Yes, Jesus Christ will indeed return, but we do not know for certain the day or the hour. Christ says, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." (Matt. 24:36). Christ doesn't even know when He will return! But, he has given us warnings that indicate His coming is drawing near. (Matt.24:29-31; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:25-28)

It is very questionable why Harold Camping is so obsessed about being accurate on when the world will end or the Second Coming of Christ. What's the rush? I don't believe that God is in a hurry to send His son yet, but I do believe he has allowed more time so that others can have the opportunity to accept His gift: salvation. God does not want men (human race) to be lost, but wants all to come to repentance genuinely. (Acts 3:19; 2 Peter 3:8-9)

If there's anything we can learn from this false prediction, it is to grow in our actual, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ; such knowledge is the greatest protection against false teachings. We should (as Christians) be alert and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. (Matt.24:42) This does not mean we should obsess about the afterlife, but to carry out the commands of Christ in our current life. ;-)

God’s Message For Japan (And For Us)

Tsunami hits Japan after earthquake
Photo courtesy of Reuters

According to a new survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, less than four-in-10 (38 percent) believe earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters are a sign from God; even fewer (29 percent) believe that God sometimes punishes nations for the sins of some of its citizens.

White evangelical Protestants are the exception to this pattern. Among evangelicals, about six-in-10 (59 percent) believe natural disasters are a sign from God, and a smaller majority (53 percent) believe that God judges nations for the sins of some of their citizens. Only one-in-five white mainline

Protestants or Catholics believe God punishes nations for the sins of some of the citizens.
In the days following the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, many people question how and why this tragic event has occurred? Is there an underlying meaning behind it? Some people say that God is punishing Japan. Others say it is a sign of the end times or the coming of the apocalypse. Still, others say it is what it is---an earthquake followed by a tsunami. But, the common theme I have seen in many articles about this natural disaster (and others) is: Is God Judging Japan?

Why is it that whenever a natural disaster occurs somewhere in the world, many Christians or the deeply religious assume that God is angry with them? For instance, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005, many Christians believed God sent a hurricane to punish them mostly due to their constant indulgence in sexual sins, including homosexuality. When a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Jan.12, 2010, many Christians pointed out that God was judging Haiti’s history of religious syncretism---mixing elements of various faiths, including occult practices. Haiti is also known for voodoo, sorcery, and a Catholic tradition influenced by the occult. There were many natural disasters that occurred in previous years in which people believed the world was coming to an end or it was a sign of God’s wrath. And yet, the world is still turning; it didn’t end.

But as humans we always want an answer or explanation to everything-- that’s very understandable. Natural disasters freak us out. But to ask, “Is God Judging Japan?” is not a fair question to ask. If God is judging Japan for their sins, then He’s also judging me and every individual in this entire world. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23)

If anything, I think we are the ones that are judging them. Japan may be guilty of “spiritual adultery” and yes, God will judge them. But, I don’t think we know for sure that God is punishing them in this manner. I really don’t think we can claim to understand the judgment of God in this particular situation. And, if God were using an earthquake and tsunami to judge Japan, we as Christians do not have the right to cast stones.


Instead, we as believers in Jesus Christ need to stand in the gap for Japan; we must pray and act. In the midst of this crisis where people have lost everything, there is still good news for Japan---God Loves Them! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only real message of hope.The cross of Jesus Christ declares that He loves Japan. This is God’s message to Japan:


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

As believers, it is our responsibility to show Japan His love, and share His Gospel. Let us pray that this tragedy will leave a openness to the Gospel among the Japanese people. That will be to the glory of God. And, as believers let us do whatever we can to alleviate the suffering they’ve endured and comfort those who are grieving. Let us show them the same compassion, love and mercy that God shows us everyday. Let us show them that there is a God who cares, a God who wants to restore and revive them. This is God’s message to Japan and for us.

Here's how to help:
(Note: these organizations are trustworthy and respected.)
Global Giving. Global giving has set up a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

Mercy Corps. You can give through their website or text MERCY to 25383 to support Mercy Corps Japan earthquake relief efforts with a $10 donation. You can also set up an online fundraising page for Japan to get friends and family involved.

Red Cross. To make a donation you can visit their page on the disaster in Japan. Or text redcross to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Salvation Army. You can text "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888 to make $10 donation, or visit their website.

;-)

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