Originally Posted by GreenSky
I should have posted this in non-insurance but unless a moderator wants to move it, I hope it can stay here where people can see it.
I want to recommend to everyone that if you really want to help those in need you consider become a bone marrow donor. Bone marrow needs to be donated by a very close match between donor and recipient so even if you register it's unlikely you'll be contacted. BUT IF YOU, YOU WILL SAVE A LIFE!
Please go to
Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation | Jewish Bone Marrow Donor Registry and Cord Blood Bank and register. You can be tested with just a swab of your cheek and do it all via the web and mail. They ask for a tax-deductible donation of $54 to cover their expenses on the kit itself.
We try to do a good job in making sure our clients are insured in the event of a catastrophe. Let's put our blood and marrow where our mouths are (not literally).
There are many people in need of bone marrow and there are just not enough donors. You can give the gift of life.
Rick
I was sorry to see that they only accept donors up to age 60 and having just turned 61 a few weeks ago, I'm ineligible. I checked the application to see if they even asked for DoB... and they do. I suppose one could... um... "make a mistake" on the form... but I can only assume they have a valid medical/biological reason for limiting the age to 60.
I'd never heard of this kind of donation before so I thank Rick for bringing it to everyone's attention. In CA the state makes it easy to be an organ donor via a sticker on your drivers license but makes no mention of being a bone-marrow donor (unless this is part and parcel to organ donation?)
You can also leave your body to a medical school for research and training.
Donated Body Program, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy
Division of Medical Education ~ FAQS
What I'm unclear about (in CA) is IF you can be an organ donor AND leave what is left to a med school. I've left my body to UC Davis School of Medicine but I'm also a registered organ donor. If anyone knows CA law and procedure on dual donor-ship, please post of PM. Maybe my survivor makes the final decision on where I go? (As long as it's not in the ground... I'm fine with it. I tend to be claustrophobic and the idea of being six feet under creeps me out!)
When I write a life policy I always discuss CA Advance Health Care Directive, and organ donation or medical research options with the client and tell them where to get more info. I'm sometimes asked if I sell pre-need funeral arrangements (casket, plot, etc.) I don't and refer them to a friend who does that service.
A Gift of Life
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