BeAHeroBecomeADonor

Thanks to amazing refinements in medical technology, bone marrow transplants are much different than they once were. Getting tested for compatibility takes seconds. A consent form, swab of your cheek and you are placed on the Be The Match Registry (www.bethematch.org). If the marrow is a match for someone in need, donors are asked to undergo one of two minor, non-invasive outpatient procedures (which aren’t painful, Gina Cousineau assures us!) that extract healthy stem cells to replace a patient's unhealthy cells. If anything, you might be a little achy the next day. “But donors know that for their little discomfort they were the stranger who gave life to someone in the world, and someday a stranger could give life to them,” says Gina. Despite these advancements, less than 20% of those in need ever get the transplant that may be their last chance. The technology is there, it's the donors who are not.

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magine a healthy, athletic little boy full of energy and spirit. He’s your neighbor, teammate, classmate, student, brother or son. A smiling face you see every day that is eager to explore and live life to its fullest. Without explanation, this little boy suddenly falls ill with a seizure and the road from this point on is all uphill. Where does a family turn for support and hope after their boy is given devastating news for his future? Where do you turn to educate yourself and ask for assistance? The Be A Hero, Become A Donor Foundation offers hope and support to patients and families. The foundation was started after the loss of Evan Cousineau who, at the playful age of nine, was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, a fatal genetic metabolic disease.

Evan and his family were given hope because of generous individuals that donated a piece of themselves. While Evan’s body eventually gave up and he lost his battle for life, his cord and blood product donors gave him a fighting chance at a thriving life, and arguably extended the amount of time he was allowed with his family. The Cousineau family had no idea that the tragic end to Evan’s short life would inspire his family and friends to give to so many others.

One thing that became remarkably clear to the Cousineau family during their experience with their son is the demand that exists for donors. As of June 2009, there were over 101,000 people in the US on the waiting list for organ, tissue, or blood donations. According to UNOS (The United Network for Organ Sharing), approximately 77 people receive organs each day. However, about 19 people die each day waiting for donors, and the waiting list for transplants grows by 300 names each month. The need for donors is blaringly apparent, and one donor alone can save up to 8 lives, and dramatically enhance the lives of 50 others.

In memory of Evan, his family and loved ones started the non-profit Be A Hero, Become A Donor (BAHBAD) to give others in need of organ and tissue donation a fighting chance at survival. BAHBAD vows that “giving hope to patients and families in need” is essential to creating a positive perspective amid so much despair. BAHBAD is a place for people to be educated and explore options on how they can help save lives by donating of themselves.

Many people feel socially responsible to give back, but feel lost in finding ways to do so. Be A Hero, Become A Donor offers individuals a way to give back. The foundation works in conjunction with many other local foundations to make giving an easier process. BAHBAD offers places to support patients and families during all phases of their journey. BAHBAD supports many non-profit foundations like the Be The Match Registry, the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), and Donate Life (a complete list of organizations can be found on their website at www.bahbad.org). Also available on the BAHBAD website is a collection of stories of Evan’s journey and others like him. This foundation works around the clock and is a reminder that giving just a small part of ourselves can give an entire life to someone else. Donors really do give life.