“I’m Teri, a wife of 37 years, proud parent of two, and come this October, a first-time grandparent. I was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and am in a fight for my life. I am desperately looking for a “Gift of Life” from YOU to me and others like me. I want to thank all past and future donors. With all my love and gratitude."
-Teri

About TeamTeri.org

Teri Li is a dear friend to many, is shown in these photo with her family. Teri has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She needs a bone marrow transplant, but so far has been unable to find a match.

Our goal is to find her a match. But to do this, we need to expand the bone marrow possibilities by requesting that everyone be entered into the bone marrow database. This is very easy and painless.

Just go to www.bethematch.org and sign up. They will send you a simple kit that you can use to swab your mouth and send back, at no cost. This will enter you into the registry. Make sure to use the promo code TEAMTERI in all caps. This will expedite the analysis and there will be no cost. We also hope you will share this website with your friends and other acquaintances and request that they do the same. Even if you are not a match for Teri, you will be in the registry for others in need of a bone marrow transplant. We, Teri, and all those in need of a bone marrow match thank you for your help.

Myths and Facts about Bone Marrow Donation (from www.bethematch.org)

Learn the facts about bone marrow donation to help you make an informed decision about joining the Be The Match Registry®. You can learn more about the donation process, as well as read some firsthand donor experiences by reading the Be The Match® Donation Myths and Facts PDF, or by visiting www.bethematch.org.

MYTH: All bone marrow donations involve surgery.

FACT: The majority of donations do not involve surgery. Today, the patient's doctor most often requests a peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation, which is non-surgical. The second way of donating is marrow donation, which is a surgical procedure. In each case, donors typically go home the same day they donate.

MYTH: Donating is painful and involves a long recovery.

FACT: There can be uncomfortable but short-lived side effects of donating PBSC. Due to taking a drug called filgrastim for five days leading up to donation, PBSC donors may have headaches, joint or muscle aches, or fatigue. PBSC donors are typically back to their normal routine in one to two days. Those donating marrow receive general or regional anesthesia, so they feel no pain during donation. Marrow donors can expect to feel some soreness in their lower back for one to two weeks afterward. Most marrow donors are back to their normal activities in two to seven days.

MYTH: Donating is dangerous and weakens the donor.

FACT: Though no medical procedure is without risk, there are rarely any long-term side effects. Be The Match® carefully prescreens all donors to ensure they are healthy and the procedure is safe for them. We also provide support and information every step of the way. Because only five percent or less of a donor's marrow is needed to save the patient's life, the donor's immune system stays strong and the cells replace themselves within four to six weeks.

MYTH: In bone marrow donation, pieces of bone are removed from the donor.

FACT: No pieces of bone are taken during marrow donation. Only the liquid marrow found inside the pelvic bone is needed to save the patient's life.

MYTH: Donors have to pay to donate.

FACT: Donors never pay to donate. We reimburse travel costs and may reimburse other costs on a case-by-case basis.