I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people reaching out and supporting me throughout this journey.  Many people have joined the donor registry after hearing my story, and for that I am truly grateful.  I have also had many people asking to be tested for me specifically.  Although I sincerely appreciate your generosity, it is not possible to be tested for a specific individual unless that individual is your sibling.  I am urging everyone who is able to become a donor to please do so.  If you are chosen as a matched donor, the procedure is one that is non-surgical and is as simple as giving blood.  Please visit www.onematch.ca and join today...     

     I would also like to stress the importance of giving blood...  I am approaching the 6th week since being diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.  In the past 5 weeks I have been transfused with 5 units of blood and 3 units of platelets.  As you can see, I am currently averaging 1 unit of blood per week.  Unfortunately, my platelet count continues to drop and I have now received platelets in each of the last 3 weeks.  What saddens me the most is not the amount of transfusions I receive, but the number of people I encounter during my visits.  There are numerous people in need of blood... so many that I may have to wait days for an appointment.  I come across young and old, male and female, people from all ethnic groups... Everyone of them has a sad story to tell, and everyone of them in need of blood.  The blood you give keeps many people alive.  In many cases it can keep them healthy enough to receive treatment, and gives them a fighting chance after treatment.  The need for blood is paramount... I urge everyone who is able to donate to please do so and give the gift of life...