One of the people I admired most while in corporate America was a guy I worked for named Shawn Austin, who was (and still is) one of the best strategic thinkers and who is liked by everyone. Sadly, I recently learned that Shawn’s wife, Jennifer is battling leukemia, a cancer of the blood or bone marrow.
Shawn and Jennifer have two young children, and Jennifer is in need an immediate bone marrow transplant. To be a donor, you need to be a 100% match, so a number of donor drives have taken place and are set up in the hopes of finding a perfect match for Jen. To test if you are a match, all that is needed is a bit of blood or a swab of cells from inside your match.
I hate giving blood and hate needles in general, but I am going to go to the drive on Saturday to see if I happen to be a match. I will be at the drive at the Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope, Brooklyn at 10am. The first and only time I’ve been to Park Slope was when I sold ParkSlope.com a couple of weeks ago, so maybe that’s a sign.
If you have ever thought about getting tested or joining the Be the Match Marrow Registry (Marrow.org), why not check it out? You can learn more about Jennifer Austin and upcoming marrow donation events on SaveJen.com. There is a list of marrow drives being held around the country on the website as well.
I have a friend that needed a kidney transplant two years ago and he would get ready for the transplant and something would always come up and it would not be possible.
He never gave up and one of our close friends decided to get tested and within just a few weeks he had a new kidney. They both see each other often and have a special bond between them.
You never know what might happen in life.
You might be the perfect match!
UGH, that’s sad man.
I’ll be praying for the situation…
Aron
@ Aron
Yeah, really sad situation. I’ve never met Jennifer, but knowing Shawn, I am sure she is a great woman. I am hoping I can help – or someone else will be able to help.
It’s nice to know that someone cares like you do, El.
When a loved one is sick, and needs the community’s help, friends and family and coworkers are all they can turn to. God’s blessing to her and her quick recovery, and bless you Elliot for caring about your friend’s wife.
elliot,
just came across your post just now after some emails last night with you. wow, very sad but an amazing gesture by you and trying to help in whatever way possible.