Seriously Friends, Could It Be Any Easier?

Remember the other day when I wrote here about my old youth
group/high school friend, Dave?
He’s the friend who lost his wife to cancer a couple of years
after their little girl was born, as they were preparing to leave for the mission field.
Dave had shared a link to a beautiful video of Niagara Falls,
which I also shared in the post.

And Dave’s also the guy who is now battling


Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Without a bone marrow transplant Dave has a 1% chance of survival.
With the bone marrow transplant he has a 60% chance of survival.

Thankfully, 
we’ve learned that God is not limited to statistics, right?

Dave has been in the hospital for a week as his system was preparing
to receive the bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
Dave was unable to find a match in his family.
His bone marrow donor is an anonymous someone who registered
with the Be The Match registry, how cool is that?

I’ve been thinking about the beautiful things the Lord has allowed
to come from
this Place Called Simplicity…

true friendships have formed because of kindred hearts being joined,
orphans have found homes,
hearts have been stirred toward the orphan,
others who thought, “never” have allowed God to stir their hearts
           toward special needs treasures,
people have grown in their relationship with Almighty God,
friends around the world have united to pray for needs,

and

together we have seen God move some 
mighty magnificent mountains.


When Dave first told me about it all, I didn’t really understand what
being a donor would involve.  Sure, I’d heard of the registry, I’d heard
of distant people needing a bone marrow transplant.

So I decided to do some investigating
in hopes that God would allow me to donate
and help save someone’s life.

First off, did you know if you are 
between the ages of 18-44 you don’t even 
have to leave home to register?

All you have to do is fill out a form online and they send you an
envelope and the swabby thing to do-it-yourself {from your cheek}
and mail back in?  

Seriously friends, could it be any easier?


90% of the donors doctors choose are 
between the ages of 18 and 44. 

I went on to register myself and learned that at my age
I would have to register in person.

Then I learned that as eager as I am to be a donor,
they won’t allow folks with auto-immune disorders to be a donor
{I have five auto-immune disorders, so they really, really, really, 
really, really don’t want my marrow}.  

After a time of tears and feeling pretty bummed about that, 
I got to thinkin’ and decided to ask you, my friends,
if you would please register in my stead?


Maybe me not being allowed to register will have
a greater impact:  you guys register, you tell your 
friends and family and they register and then they
tell their friends and family who also register…


and somewhere, 


someday,


someone down the line has the privilege 
of becoming a donor…


having the unique privilege and joyful opportunity 
to give life to someone like my sweet ol’ friend Dave.

If Dave’s match had not registered, 
Dave would have a 1% chance of survival.

And it’s kind of easy to think,


“Well that’s Dave, but it doesn’t affect me.”

However, last year, Dave didn’t need a match.  
He didn’t have Leukemia then.

Truthfully, any one of us could have 
someone in our family,  
our circle of friendship or 
ourselves in need a bone marrow transplant 
tomorrow.
Cancer is no respecter of persons.  
It strikes young and old. 

Being a donor match is an amazing honor and privilege.
If I knew who Dave’s donor was I would throw a party 
for their unselfish life-giving dedication 
in giving my old friend an opportunity to live. 

I share this post today, 
because today is a really big day as my friend Dave 

received the donor’s life-giving peripheral stem cell
transplant a few hours ago 
{in the middle of the night} 
after Dave had his body prepped with chemo {etc.} for a week.

In this whole process the day that the stem cell/bone marrow
transplant occurs is referred to as the 
patient’s second birthday.
{Can’t even type that without starting to cry.}  

So here are four things I would be so grateful for you to do:

1.  Pray for Dave’s body to continue to accept the donor’s 
     stem cell transplant.  This is not a short process. There are
      many risks.
2.  Wish Dave a Happy Birthday and tell him you’re praying.
     I’m gonna’ beg him to read this post, so he will see your                     birthday/prayer wishes.  
     It will mean a ton to his soul.  Promise! 
3.   Register at 
               Be The Match
 4.   Please ask your friends and family to register as well.  


“Greater love has no one than this: 
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13






Happy Birthday Old Friend!!

May Almighty God grant you 
many, many, many more.  
You are loved!

115 thoughts on “Seriously Friends, Could It Be Any Easier?

    1. Awwww Brad!! I love that you commented. Thank you so much for Dave's birthday wishes and thank you for praying for him. You two would be friends in real life, I just know it.

  1. Happy Birthday Dave! My husband was the stem cell donor for his brother last fall! (He has Hodgkins Lymphoma) It was not easy, but it made my heart swell to see the sacrificial love of MY hubby for another! Such an example of Jesus!
    So thankful for the one who donated for you, a stranger. I'm praying that this birthday and many more are Blessed by Jesus healing, thank you for making your story public so that others can give!

  2. Happy Birthday Dave!!!! You are treasured by almighty God and HE has tremendous plans for your life!!! Thank you for sharing your story out loud and allowing God to use it to impact countless people around the world!!! Our clan is praying for you to have peace, strength, comfort, and a complete recovery!!

    1. I wholeheartedly agree Joy – God has tremendous plans for Dave's life. He is a great guy and has had more than his share of pain. It's his turn for some awesome God-healing!

  3. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!! So excited to hear how God is writing HIS story through your story. Can't wait to hear about His faithful healing in your life through this transplant. Blessings!!

  4. Happy Birthday Dave!!! I also have an auto-immune disorder, so I guess I won't be able to register, but I'll check out the site and pass on the info!!! 😀

  5. Happy Birthday, Dave!!! I pray that the transplant is successful beyond our wildest dreams and you go on to have many, Many, MANY more birthdays!!!

    I registered for Be The Match several years ago when a young man from my area was looking for a match. I wasn't a match for him, but was contacted a couple of years ago and informed that I was a possible match for someone else. They contacted me again a couple of weeks later to say that I wouldn't be needed after all. I was so bummed! It sounds so selfish, but I was. Because it is all anonymous, I have no clue if the person needing help was helped by someone who was a better match, if they were able to recover to the point of not needing a transplant or if they passed away. I pray it was one of the first two.

    According to the website of Be The Match (www.bethematch.org), only 1 in 540 members of their registry actually go on to donate. You could register and never be called to donate OR you could be the link between life and death for an individual like Dave. PLEASE consider registering!!!

  6. Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7) Today and all the days ahead you are held in the palm of His hand. I pray that you will be filled and surrounded to overflowing with His peace and presence. Happy Birthday Dave!!!

  7. Dave we are going to cover you up in prayer! Happy, Happy Birthday! Praising God for YOU..for the gift of your life. He is so great,so mighty,and His love is perfect! May you feel His love and greatness today
    a million times over!

  8. Happy Birthday, Dave! I will also be celebrating my birthday tomorrow, I am turning 40!

    Thank you for sharing this story. I love that you shared that is his second birthday. I signed up to be a donor with Be The Match a couple of years ago. It was SO EASY. Also, I am an Asian, and there is ALWAYS a shortage of minority (Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, etc) donors. When I signed up, I was hoping that one day I will be a match for someone. I still am hoping that one day I will be. What an honor it will be to help save someone's life. What a blessing it will be!

    Praying for complete healing for Dave.

    1. I am so grateful that you registered with the shortage with minorities. I am so proud of you!! Way to rock it. And Happy Birthday tomorrow – 40 is such an awesome age. I was 40 when we brought our Liberty home. And with a name like "Baby on Mind"…May it be so for you as well. =)

  9. Happy new birthday, Dave! I'm praying this one comes with exceeding joy and hope in the Lord's provision and care of you and your family and that this stem cell transplant will take immediately without complications. Like Linny mentioned in her post, God's percentages blow ours out of the water. He miraculously and wonderfully created you and continues to sustain you. May He be your peace, joy, and firm foundation. Phil. 4:7-8 We're praying.

  10. I'm already registered with Be the Match (and so is my hubby), but I sure want to wish Dave a happy, HAPPY birthday and to let hime know I'm a-prayin! In the immortal words of Winston Churchill, " “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
    And we know who is the enemy of our souls! God bless, Dave. Keep the faith!

  11. I am praying. I pray for your body to fully take on these new stem cells. I also pray for you to have as few side effects as possible and that you recover to your strong self quickly. I signed up to be a donor about 5 years ago. It was soooo easy. just a q-tip like swab inside your mouth and you are done!

  12. Thank you SO much for posting this- getting people to join Be The Match has been a special passion of mine for the past couple years (can you imagine if registering for BTM was as widespread as donating blood?) 🙂

    And Dave- happy birthday! My family and I are praying daily for your complete healing!

  13. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!!!!! This is great news that Linny has put up for us to see and a picture of you as well….WHOOHOO….
    I am only able to pray for you and for the donor…I am past that age and have issues of my own, so I can't be a donor for anything…BUT, I will pass along the info to friends that are much younger than me and pray the Lord touche their hearts to do the donor thing…
    I am so glad that there is procedure thing for you…My dear dear friend Dave, who pastored a church in Columbus, Ohio and has a fantastic wife and 4 kiddos went to be with the Lord on the 15 June from midline brain cancer that could not be operated on and the treatments didn't help…SO now there is you dear DAVE…and the Lord is there with you getting you well…He has a plan for you…
    know that I will continue to pray for you…
    Love from NC

  14. With tears I read this and assure you that I am over the top happy for you Dave! My daddy too had ALL and was matched with a donor. Our hearts rejoiced! And then, something happened and the donor backed out. Daddy went home to the Lord 11 years ago this past July. So I'm very thankful to hear that life has just begun for you! Surely our faithful God has done great things for you! Happy Birthday prayers are coming your way!!

    1. Stacey, What a traumatic loss to have a donor back out. Thankful that your Dad lives in heaven now, but such a painful loss. So very thankful that Dave's donor sacrificially gave.

  15. Happy Birthday Dave!!!!! I have been praying for you every since Linny shared your story with us. I will continue to pray till we hear the wonderful news that you are healed in the Name of Jesus Christ!!!! God is so good and His Word powerful and true!! Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Blessings!

  16. Linny I was thinking of my husband and I registering as I read thru you post till you got to the part where you mentioned the auto immune stuff. I also have several auto-immune diseases myself. BUT….this is information I did not know!!! So will be sharing it with others that can and are able to register. Blessings! And thanks for sharing!

    1. Share with whomever you can – and that will be a blessing to all!! Some of us who are unable to donate, can just pray for the privilege of telling someone who *can* be a donor!!

  17. Happy, Happy, Birthday! May God's face shine on you and your family during this time. Rest in Him and allow the God who hangs the Earth in it's orbit to touch your body down to its very cells. We will be praying for you!

  18. God bless you David as you face this trial with Him holding your hand. And wow, another birthday Happy Second Birthday to you or since you are born again maybe this is number three. I am going to see what the donation procedure is here in Australia. I am too old but I can encourage others to take part. Praying for complete success.

  19. Congratulations, Dave!!!! Thanks, Linny, for making people aware of how they can sign up. I registered to be a donor 10 years ago at a blood drive ans was surprised how easy it was!

  20. Praying for Dave! Happy birthday, Dave! May it be G-d's will to grant you a long, healthy and happy life.

    I think I registered years ago but I will check…

  21. James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
    Praying for Dave and clicking over to see how to sign up.

  22. Happy Birthday Dave! That is awesome that you have gotten a transplant. I've been a donor for a few years now. Praying that I can be someones match some day. Praying that God will work in your body and that His will will be done.

  23. Happy Birthday, Dave! The Bauns here in Orchard Park are praying for you! We have prayed for you and your family many times over the years. We pray that you can feel the Hand of the Almighty as your body heals, and we pray that God is able to use you to reach many others for Him. Much love from Wendy (Sweet) Baun and family

  24. Twenty years ago my dad had leukemia. I wish he could have had a chance with stem cell! I will be routing for you and praying for you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  25. Happy Second Birthday Dave! I have been praying for you from the time Linny first mentioned your name. I will continue to pray for your healing. What an awesome God we serve!!

  26. Happy Birthday Dave! God bless you and keep you strong! I signed up for "Be The Match" when I was in college a few years ago…hoping I can be someone's match one day! 🙂

  27. It really is easy to register. I did it a few months ago after a friend needed a second transplant. Looking at my donor card now.

    Happy Birthday, Dave!

  28. Awesome look on Dave's face in the last picture of such eagerness, joy and anticipation! Happy Birthday, Dave! May God grant you many more!! Praying in PA!
    Maureen

    1. His facial expression does say all that, doesn't it? So grateful, since I am on the opposite side of the country and can't visit him, that they have taken lots of pictures…so wish I could pop in and visit him…

  29. I'm a little late to the party but I hope everything is going wonderful! Happy Birthday Dave and I am praying for God to amaze anyone who comes your way with a complete and total healing in every way! My husband and I registered on BE THE MATCH years ago but I will jump over there and make sure we have an updated address just in case they ever need to get in touch with us! 🙂

  30. Going to register and so thankful we can pray for you Dave and see His mighty hands heal your body. A great reminder to us that we are connected and we are His body. Speaking life over you Dave and may He be your strength. We are holding up your hands for you and wish you a Happy Birthday!

  31. Happy birthday Dave, I wish you a very happy and healthy life. I am thinking of you.

    I went over to register but I am in Canada, so I will definitely check for an organization over here. It could not be any easier.

  32. Lymphoma took my husbands life a little over a year ago (12 months and 28 days ago to be exact). On May 27th, 2012 he was fine, a little tired, having become anemic again which we thought was due to Celiac Disease. On May 28th as we were getting ready for bed. He discovered a lump between his neck and shoulder. On July 10th he was home with Jesus. No one ever knows who will get cancer and who won't. My husband was athletic and healthy. Anyone reading Linny's post, think and pray hard about being a bone marrow donor. It's not what my husband needed. We didn't even know the cause of his illness when he died so he hadn't even had time for treatment. But, it could save someone else's husband's life. I'm going to see if I can sign up myself. Thanks Linny for posting how easy it is. I thought it was harder than that.

    1. I am so sorry Kimberlie about your husband. The shock is probably still very much part of your life. Years ago I had a friend who lost her husband in a tragic accident…she said it was the worst after he died at the two year mark. She said it was like the reality of him not coming back really sunk in. I pray that the Lord continues to heal your broken heart and comfort you each day. You are an amazingly strong woman!! And the Lord has your back. xo

  33. Dave,
    Happy Second Birthday! I will be praying for you throughout the coming days that the Lord will completely heal your body. I have seen some serious miracles reported by the people on this blog. You are going to be one of the survivors! Be blessed and be at peace!

  34. WOW, that was weird. We had a blood drive at work yesterday (8-7-13)and there was a lady from Bone Marrow Registry trying to sign up more people. Now, I donate blood almost every 2 months for several years now, but this was the first time I saw a representative from BE THE MATCH there. I have registered, because me and my husband wanted to sign up, but never got to it, you know…. But, then I come home and see your post. How cool is that??
    Love your blog, please keep writing and encouraging all of us. God Bless.

  35. Happy 2nd birthday, Dave!!

    I just recently had to remove my name from the donor registry after many years of being on it because a friend mentioned they couldn't register for health reasons. I'm disqualified because of Fibromyalgia, as well as a history of multiple concussions. I was so bummed as well. =(

  36. Before I even read your heart's desire for us to register to be a match my heart was being stirred to do this. It would be such an honor to help save a life! Thanks for the encouragement to do this. Happy Birthday Dave! I am praying for your total healing and for many blessings in your life.

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