Be the Match!

If anyone needed a reminder of how important the Be the Match national bone marrow registry is, I wanted to bring your attention to a person benefitting from the generosity of others.

Deb Hubsmith, founder of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership and a long-time active transportation advocate, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in October, 2013. A very positive, active, healthy person, Deb did not go into remission after her initial chemotherapy. Soon, she will be receiving a life-saving donation of bone marrow from a stranger on the Be the Match registry.

Deb is an inspiration to many of us working in active transportation, physical activity, and health fields. I was very happy to hear that she will be receiving a transplant, and wish her a speedy recovery.

You can read more about Deb and her treatment, and learn about AML, here. Of course, consider joining the Be the Match registry if you are eligible. It just takes a cheek swab and the willingness to help if asked. I've been on the registry for almost ten years.