We often talk about our work at the University of Washington in terms of impact – and our impact truly is felt across our state and the world. But each of us also has the opportunity to make an impact in profound and personal ways. One way that you can make an impact with the potential to actually save a life is by learning about Be the Match, an organization that manages the world’s largest marrow registry.
UW Medicine, working with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is doing cutting-edge work in marrow transplants, making us a natural partner in the effort to increase access to this life-saving procedure. And marrow transplants really do save lives. Just ask Alexes Harris, a professor of sociology at the UW, whose inspiring story of recovery from a rare blood cancer helped catalyze the UW’s involvement in this worthy cause. On November 5, the UW will launch a first-of-its-kind partnership with Be the Match, including a documentary screening and a panel event featuring Provost Mark Richards.
Increasing the number of marrow donors is especially critical for people of color whose lives can depend on finding a match. People of color, and those of mixed-race ancestry, are underrepresented in the registry, so finding a match is difficult. With this partnership, we hope to raise awareness about the need for registered donors. If you want to learn more about how to register, it just takes a few minutes to sign up to receive a testing kit.
Each of us has the power to make a difference. Together, that difference can change the world by making health care more equitable and saving lives.