Poonam Desai

She juggled work and wedding activities, but realized the importance of LIFE and in her words, The thought of backing-out NEVER crossed my mind

Poonam, a 28 year old from the greater Chicago area attended a Young Jains of America Convention in Los Angeles in the summer of 2001 where she registered to be a COMMITED Bone Marrow donor.

She anxiously waited for years to hear back from the National Donor Marrow Program (NMDP). But, it was not until June of 2006 and neck deep in wedding planning, that Poonam received that fateful call that would forever change her life.

She was informed that she was a match for a 47 year old male. She was overcome with emotions and couldn’t believe that she could possibly have the opportunity to save someone’s life. She juggled work and wedding activities, but realized the importance of LIFE and in her words, the thought of backing-out NEVER crossed my mind. She donated her stem cells successfully using the Peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC), and described the process as being, a bit more tired than usual but nothing that caused me to change my daily routine.

Poonam was eager to hear from the recipient of her Bone Marrow. Her wish was granted when she received a card that read, thank you for being my saving angel. In her modesty Poonam felt that he (the recipient) was her angel. Poonam is now married and has a successful career as a hospital administrator and continues to volunteer at bone marrow drives and stated, I would donate again if the chance came.

from www.helpvinay.org

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