PolkMoms.com

This story was brought to my attention of a mutual friend of myself and this family. I just can not imagine what they are going through. If anyone has considered being a bone marrow donator, now seems to be as good a time as any.

Ledger Article about the baby and family here

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080530/NEWS/80530038...lp_Keep_Baby_Healthy

Personal page of Little Liam Larrow here

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/liamlarrow

Does anyone know off hand (if not, I can look elsewhere to find out) if the restrictions for bone marrow donation are similar to blood?

For example, my husband can't donate blood (ever) because he was stationed in England during a mad cow outbreak in the 90s. And I can't donate because I don't weigh enough (less than 110 when not pregnant).

Would those issues prevent us from donating marrow (or atleast being screened) or are the guidelines different?

littleT, you go girl for inquiring!!!!

It made me do the same. I just called Bloodnet the company doing the testing for potential bone marrow donators. The reception lady said that she could not answer the questions you asked about who can be a donator. The person to pose those questions to would be a Cindy Williams at Bloodnet who will not be available until Monday.

To test to see if you are a marrow match to the baby they swab the inside of your mouth. The receptionist did say they would like it if the person doing a swab would donate a pint of blood to help offset the cost of the marrow match testing, but it's optional to donate the blood.

I was also told there will be another blood drive and marrow screening in honor of baby Liam this Saturday from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7th at;
Mulberry United Methodist Church
306 North Chuch Ave.
Mulberry

There is a video of the baby here on PolkMoms

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1416570...756&bctid=1581481557

ON THE VIDEO IT SHOWS THE DRIVE IS FROM 9-6 AT THE CHURCH IN MULBERRY, ON THE POST IT STATES 8-2:00 PM, I WAS JUST CHECKING, I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN TILL ABOUT 3:00 ON SATURDAY, BUT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GO AND SEE IF I AM A MATCH. CAN SOMEONE FIND OUT FOR ME.
THANKS ALOT.
SHANNON

Shannon, the video states the first blood drive in Liam's name. Since then, they have opened up other drives.

The June 7th date is what I received from bloodnet and I believe it is also posted on Liam's personal link that I have included in the original post.

Shawn, as you know, we've been out of town, but I just read about this. Any news to update or any more info on another drive? Maybe we could do it as a Polk Moms outreach??

Again, we are still having computer troubles that leave me unable to open any links, if you'd be so kind as to post any updates, new drives, etc. THANK YOU Shawn!!


Michelle

Wow, thank you all so much for checking into this! I'm Liam's mom and I have been amazed on a daily basis at how far his story has reached.

We now have 2 perfect matches (Woo-hoo!!) but joinging the bone marrow registry is still a truely wonderful thing to do. You never know who might need you; whose life you might save.

And if you donate blood, you can still do it in Liam's name (Liam James Larrow) because it's very likely that he will need blood and platlet transfusions while he's in the hospital for the marrow transplant. (And your donating in his name will provide blood unit credits that he can use when needed.)

Please feel free to check up on Liam at his site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/liamlarrow
Thank you all so much!

Oh, yes there are different requirements for donating blood vs. donating marrow but it's best if you talk with Cindi Williams with BloodNet (863-687-8925) beacuse it's a pretty long list.

Wow Liam's Mom! Thank you for joining us at PolkMoms! I think The Ledger has done a great job in getting your story out there, I hope you had a positive experience with us

Thank you so much in giving us an update, and you are right about the blood credits. I am a frequent blood donor. The next time I do, I will be sure to put it in Liam's name. If you find the time, please give us more updates on your little boy's health and happiness.