I come from a long line of warriors. It’s in our blood. Family values such as grit and perseverance have given us, generation after generation, the strength to stand up for causes both big and small, from fighting for freedom to overcoming challenges at home. I did. I recently learned that one of my ancestors was a slave who fought against slavery in the Civil War. And my maternal grandfather volunteered on two tours of duty in Vietnam. When I stepped onto the podium to win my first Olympic gold medal in 2012, I stood on their shoulders.
My athletic journey was made possible by the unwavering support and selflessness of my family. I’m so grateful that my sisters encouraged me to train out of state and that my mom allowed me to go even though I might not have had the chance to achieve my dream of becoming an Olympian. Masu. As the first Black American gymnast to win a gold medal in the individual all-around, and the first American to win individual and team gold medals in the same Olympics, I am honored to be able to pave the way for others. I feel that.
I also consider my mother an advocate for selflessly taking on the role of caring for my father when he learned he had a type of blood cancer. After researching countless treatment options, she brought him from Indiana to Dallas for treatment. Watching her help him fight for his life reminded me that the perseverance we inherited is a lifeline that can create a better future for our families and others. is constantly reminded of.
I don’t believe in coincidences, so when I was contacted by NMDP, a nonprofit organization that supports patients with blood cancers and blood disorders, I was intrigued. NMDP, formerly known as the National Bone Marrow Donor Program and Be the Match, matches donors and patients for stem cell transplants. We also provide patient services, research, and advocacy to increase access for patients of color who need transplants. I saw an opportunity to get involved and joined them as a brand ambassador to reach out to fighters like my grandfather.
opinion
Patients in need of a transplant are most likely to be matched with a donor of a similar ethnic background. Hispanic, Asian, and African American patients have less than a 50% chance of finding a perfectly matched donor. NMDP has developed new research that increases these odds, demonstrating that patients from any background can find a suitable, partially matched donor with survival rates comparable to fully matched donors. . This science will help you identify more donors who are already on board.
Texans are leading the way in diversifying the registry, with most Black and Hispanic donors coming from Texas. It also has the second-highest number of potential donors, approaching 1 million.
Everything is bigger here and we need more donors, including our hearts.
I witnessed this need firsthand at Medical City Dallas and was grateful to my grandfather’s hematology-oncologist and transplant team. I also met a recovering patient with my sister who benefited from a donor match identified through the NMDP registry.
My grandfather always supported me and even collected donations so that my mother and siblings could attend when I competed in London. So after he became ill three years ago and was stable and returned home, we were very grateful that we were able to support him. Now I can give back to those who supported me by shining a light on this important need.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 can register to become a blood stem cell donor online at NMDP.org. A simple cheek swab is all it takes to see if they are a good fit for the patient who needs them.
Texans, be a hero in the fight to save patients with blood cancers and diseases who need transplants. Being a lifeline runs in your blood.
Gabby Douglas is an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.
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