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So often, I think about the young man who gave of himself to try and save Justin’s life…his bone marrow donor.  We were told from the get-go that this man was passionate and very committed to helping Justin through the gift of his stem cells.  If I could speak to this man right now I would say, “Justin had no fear in death because of the power of Christ’s blood.  Thank you for following the footsteps of Christ to help Justin.  Even though the transplant didn’t work, we are profoundly grateful, as was Justin, for the gift you gave him.”    On December 30, 2007, my husband preached a sermon in which he titled “The Universal Blood Donor.”  He spoke these words, “Because while the blood of other people sustains me physically - it is the blood of Christ that sustains me spiritually.”   ~Christ Jesus being the universal blood donor that we all need…Justin was so incredibly thankful for both. 

I post today to raise awareness of something very important.  “Be the Match” is the National Marrow Donor Program’s new campaign.  From June 8- June 22, all fees are being waived for the donor registry kits.  It is such a simple process to become part of the donor registry.  Send in for a kit…when the kit comes - swab your cheek…send it back.  If you are actually called to be a donor, there are two processes for donation.  One is more involved with actual surgery.  However, the method that is being used most often now days is nothing more than a peripheral blood draw in which the stem cells are then extracted from the blood by a machine.  It will not be painful or take much of your time when considering you are giving the gift of life. (This is the type of donation that Justin’s donor went through.)  Persons of minority groups are urged to participate as they are greatly needed.  Often, matches can not be found for people of minority groups as there are a low number of minorities registered. 

Although God called Justin home due to his illness, he was still given this chance by having a matching donor.  I can’t imagine the emotional turmoil we would have suffered if there had not been a matching donor.  I encourage you to participate and “Be the Match” for another human being.  The more donors registered…the more matches there will be….the more lives that will be saved.  Please!  As a young widow, I beg you to consider this worthwhile venture so that others might also have the chance that Justin had.  Click on the official website for more information. 

http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/Marrowthon2009/index.html

To Justin’s donor-Thank you from the depth of my heart.  You will never know what hope God gave us in you.  There are no words…there are no words…Thank you. 

May God bless and keep you always, Bep Bousema