Bone marrow saves lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Each year more than 15,000 people need a stem cell transplant.

First Lt. Tricia Ewing, deputy commander of the Financial Analysis flight, is one of many who volunteer to become bone marrow donors.

"It's important (to donate) because you never know who's going to need it," said Ewing. "It could be my family members, future children or even me. I always like to keep the circle of life going."

Ewing had not heard of bone marrow donations until she was tested in 2003 while on temporary duty to Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

After she was tested with a simple swab of her cheek, her information was stored until seven years later when she was informed that a potential match was found. That's when the vigorous process to get her life-saving tissue to the recipient started.

"I was excited when I found out I was a match," said the Ohio native. "They explained the procedure and mentioned the pain and recovery time, but I wasn't discouraged because to help someone live would be the ultimate thing to do."

A military liaison coordinated with Ewing and the person receiving the bone marrow transplant, who was a civilian. The liaison made an appointment at the medical group for Ewing to get re-tested in order to insure she was a match.

"It was a rushed (situation) where they took my blood (and) mailed it back to the states," explained Ewing. "I was then notified via email that I was (definitely) a match for this person."

After the process started, Ewing was notified a few weeks later that the individual no longer needed her donation.

If the process continued, there were two options available, one with less recovery time.

Although she did not donate her bone marrow, Ewing said she would definitely encourage people to become donors and help save someone's life.

For those who may be interested in donating, there will be booths located at the commissary, base exchange, Risner Fitness Center, Marshal Dining Facility, Olympic and Fairchild shoppettes, the post office, Chapel 1 and Chili's Too/USO at various time frames from Sept. 5-9.

For any additional questions you can contact Maj. Scott Gunn or Staff Sgt. Elmer Mendoza.