Shirley's friend Michelle was diagnosed with Leukemia last year and has recently relapsed.

This relapse is a huge blow because it comes at the end of a few great months, during which time she'd started working again, traveled a bit, spent time with her new puppy and cheered her boyfriend on for making it to business school. The worst part is that a tumor was also found in her brain.

She needs to find a match to survive, and we are hoping you might take the time to register to be a donor. If you can't make it to a drive, you can send for a kit online at this link:

http://www.aadp.org/pages/register.php

Because the need for minorities to register is so great (especially Asians), the kit is free for minorities. The home kit is easy (cheek swab) and takes only a few minutes to complete.

If you don't feel comfortable registering, you can help by forwarding this email to anyone and everyone you can think of. Every little bit will help!

Thank you for getting registered and joining this effort to help Michelle win her fight against leukemia – and for helping others who may face blood disorders in the future.

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FAQs on Bone Marrow Transplant

How do I know if I'm a match?

If you are found to be a possible match, you will be contacted by the National Registry or your local center. You will be presented with the option of proceeding to the next level of testing.

How my marrow is collected?

The most common procedure is peripheral blood stem cell collection.  You are given injections to support overproduction of marrow, which is then released into your circulating blood. The cells are collected by removing blood from a vein in your arm during a simple procedure. This is very similar to donating blood – isn't it amazing that it's that easy to save someone's life?