OPINION: A simple cheek swab can help save a life

Like every proud grandma, I love to talk about my grandchildren. I have written in the past about my grandson, William, and his battle with adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to serious neurological complications if not detected early.

We have a wonderful, generous community here in Albuquerque, and after my last op-ed, people asked me how they can help. We’ re doing fine; my family has been blessed with wonderful doctors, good insurance and a treatment plan that could involve a stem cell transplant in a few years.

Stem cell research has come a long way in a short amount of time. There are over 65 diseases that can be treated with donated stem cells, including ALD, along with blood cancers like leukemia, immune system disorders and metabolic conditions. Even now, research is expanding to include the use of stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and more.

William is not alone; more than 1 million people around the world have received a stem cell transplant. These cures and treatments wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of ordinary people ages 18-35 who donate stems cells either from blood or bone marrow — many times for people they don’t even know.

Anyone can be a hero. On March 31, Donate Life New Mexico and I are going to light City Hall in blue and green in honor of National Donate for Life month in April. That evening, we will have a testing drive for anyone who would like to enter the National Marrow Donor Program registry. It’s a simple cheek swab, and it takes less than 10 minutes.

I am hopeful that, if the time ever comes for William to need a stem cell transplant, a compatible match will be found for him in the donor registry. Thousands of people are waiting with the same hope.

People in Albuquerque will generously give time, attention and resources. Will you also consider giving a cheek swab and joining the blood stem cell donor registry?

Renée Grout represents District 9 on the Albuquerque City Council.