This Christmas try Something different.....

NOTHING in life is more important then the health and well being of those that you love the most. So what if the one you loved the most needed something that you could not give them??>>>> Life saving blood, platelets, or bone marrow.
Try something different this Christmas and rather then getting so caught up in all the madness of Shopping and Spending try to do something different. Give a gift that cost's you nothing BUT means EVERYTHING to someone else...Here are two ideas this Christmas on how you can give the gift of LIFE.

1. Get registered on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/.
Thousands of patients hope for a bone marrow donor who can make their life-saving transplant possible. They depend on people like you. You have the power to save a life. Take the first step today. http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/.
Q: What is a bone marrow transplant? A: Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving treatment for people with leukemia, lymphoma and many other diseases. First, patients undergo chemotherapy and sometimes radiation to destroy their diseased marrow. Then a donor's healthy blood-forming cells are given directly into the patient's bloodstream, where they can begin to function and multiply.
For a patient's body to accept these healthy cells, the patient needs a donor who is a close match. Seventy percent of patients do not have a donor in their family and depend on the Be The Match Registry to find an unrelated bone marrow donor or umbilical cord blood. More info can be found here http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html#need

2.Donate blood or Platelets at your local ARUP or Red Cross!!!!

Some Facts About Blood Supply Needs and Blood Donation -from the American Red Cross•One donation can save the lives of up to three people.
•The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations.
•Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays.
•Less than 38% of the US population is eligible to donate blood. (So if you can, you can see that you're sorely needed!)
•It is possible to donate specifically only platelets or plasma. This process is called apherisis.
•Donated platelets must be used within 5 days of collection - new donations are constantly needed.
•Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma, and platelets. The body will replenish the elements given during a blood donation - some in a matter of hours, and others in a matter of weeks.
•The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.
•The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
•A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days.

A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 3 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health to donate. (Eligibility requirements may vary in some states and donation centers.)Please, if you possibly can, get out and donate this holiday season.It's one of the best gifts you can give.

This Christmas, GIVE LIFE!