Spinal Cord Fluid Donation
Yes they call it stem cell donation, but it is not the type of stem cell taken from undeveloped babies. We all have stem cells and in some of us, terrible diseases like leukemia render these cells useless; the best hope becomes finding a match for a transplant. It is only an hour long procedure for the donor but life saving for the recipient. Right now only 30% of recepients find a match. I read in the Toronto Star today about this poor girl in Regina, who at 22 hsa 30-40 days to live. I probably won't match her, but I am still going to take the test and maybe help someone else. She is of Russian/Ukrainian/German heritage and really needs a 10 out of 10 match. Even if you don't match this girl, there are countless others who over the course of your life might match your DNA enough to need you.
My neighbor has donated blood over 50 times - I wish I had that discipline. This is a simple test where the inside of the cheek is swabbed and they keep your DNA on file for matching with someone who may need you one day. You may never get a call, but it would be a blessing to be able ot save someones life by giving a little bit of yourself. Who knows, maybe one day you will need someone to be your DNA match and make a donation for you.
You can sign up at http://www.onematch.ca