Please read the message below from Nick's mom. She has some great news to share with all of you! Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and support! We couldn't have found a match without you!
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We learned yesterday afternoon that Stanford Cancer Center has found two donor matches for Nick out of the thirteen potential matches that had been developed by the national registry. Human leukocytes antigen (HLA) typing is used to match patients and donors for transplants. The immune system uses these antigens (markers) to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. Stanfordwas searching for aset often markers for the best match. Each of the two donor matches that were discovered, match tenout often criterion markers. Furtherevaluationneeds to occur on the two donors by Stanford before a final selection can be made. Moreover, up until the actual transplantevent,the national registry will continue to search for other possible donors that mightmake an even better match.
In any event it looks like Nick is going to get his chance at a transplant procedure which is hearteningindeed for all of us. Nick and his family are so very grateful to all those people behind the scenes at EMC, as well as the other large companies that joined in, The Asian-American Donor Program, the Be The Match Donor Program, all the media involved, and the Stanford/Kaiser medical teams that have helped bring about this hopeful development. We are equally thankful for all of the outpouring of personal support by individuals all over this land and around the globe for their good wishes, prayers, support, and for all the donor volunteers who have come forward this past month.
Five weeks ago, we received the devastating news that there was 0% chance of finding a donor. Due to all of the overwhelming support and response to our call to action, not one, but TWO 10 out of 10 matching markers have been found and secured. We have not been told who these angels are due to confidentiality reasons, but we are so grateful for them! Both donors will be prepped, as well as Nick, for a transplant, which should take place within 30 days. Nick still has a long road ahead of him, so we ask that you continue to keep him, as well as both donors, in your thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant. We ask you to continue to spread the word for the need for donors, as Stanford will continue to search for even more perfect matches, until the actual transplant day. Also, we never want any family to experience the hopelessness of not being able to find a donor match. The harsh reality is that there are thousands of people just like Nick waiting for a donor match to be found. Time is ticking away and they need your help too. Please continue to spread the word that every person ‘in good health’ should be tested and enlisted into the registry. Time is of the essence! This is Nick’s wish, and ours, that every person should have a fighting chance!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God Bless!
I know it's almost two weeks since I completed this season's ride and I haven't posted a wrap-up. I will soon, I promise. However, yesterday our team received a sad update on one of our team's honorees:Nick Glasgow I think this message is more important to share.
Here is an update on Nick, written by his Grandpa.
Our high hopes for remission were shattered yesterday. A sensitive blood test taken Tuesday night showed the cancer cells are still there even after a third round of chemotherapy. Nick's spirits have plummeted to their lowest ebb; he is fast losing his hopes of recovery. For that matter, all our spirits have been jolted.
So, now, instead of the desperately needed respite that remission would have given, the Leukemia nightmare goes on for Nick and Carole. And now, also, Nick is in a much weaker condition, physically and emotionally, in which to face further days of uncertainty and treatment. Carole is confronted with the daunting task of making vital decisions about which treatment option(s) to pursue. Stanford Cancer Clinic is searching frantically for a donor match. While this option appears to be the most promising at the moment, it is fraught with possible complications with no guarantee of success.
"Cord Blood" is another treatment option Carole is considering. This option involves the use of umbilical cord blood as a potential source for the required blood cells, again only if a match can be found for Nick. Treatment is given by the "City of Hope " organization in southern California and Nick would have to be taken there in some medically protected manner two different times. We continue to hope and pray for that miracle!
What can YOU do to help? Get yourself and everyone you know registered with the National Marrow Donor Program http://www.nmdp.org or more specifically, www.marrow.org
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