At last Saturday’s Squeeze concert, I encountered a non-profit organization called “Love Hope Strength.” (Glen Tilbrook is a big supporter.) This group sets up at concerts around the globe in an effort to build a database of bone marrow donors. (They do a lot of other global events, too.)
For years I’ve thought about being a marrow donor. For one reason or another, I just never got around to being tested. When I talked to the fine folks working the tent, all previous excuses fell away. I swabbed the inside of my mouth and filled out some paperwork. That was it. I’m now in the database.
“Love Hope Strength” was co-founded by Mike Peters of the band The Alarm. He himself is a leukemia survivor, so this foundation is close to his heart.
I love The Alarm. Always have. And I love that people are out there in the world, trying to make a difference. We all have causes. Imagine if each and every one of us did a little, weensy something to promote our good cause. I think we have more power to change the world than we know.
Anyhoo, I’m in the system now. Nothing says my name will ever come up as a match for a person in need. But if it does, I hope I’ll be fit enough to do what I can to help. I understand that in this situation, donating marrow would be the most I could do. And you know what? That’s awesome. Really awesome.