Within two or three weeks, the transplanted marrow begins to produce normal blood cells in the patient. Cook is working with the Caitlin Raymond International Registry, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. Its staff will be drawing blood and assisting her with coordination of the event. And thanks to funds that Cook raised and money from the registry, there will be no cost to those who are giving blood, she said. If a match is found, a donor's blood is further tested and if the match is perfect, a transplant can be done.
Donors can withdraw until final consent is given for a transplant.
When a match is made, a small amount of marrow is extracted from the hip bone while the donor is under light anesthesia. There is no cost to the donor. Cook, who will graduate from HCC's registered nursing program June 3, has always wanted to do something in the medical profession. She worked as a nursing assistant for two years, and has been a phlebotomist at Baystate Medical Center for three years. Used with permission.