Today's post isn't a preachy one as such but instead contains a little more information on a really worthwhile cause: the
Anthony Nolan Foundation (linked). I recently registered myself on their database, having heard a talk from a representative and so thought I'd share my thoughts.
There are thousands of people waiting around the world for a stem cell donation, usually to treat leukaemia, and the problem is that a stem cell match is harder to find than tissue matches or blood group matches. So if you register with Anthony Nolan, you're added to the global register and could save anyone's life from around the world (but you don't have to travel there, obviously).
Most people, when they hear the words 'stem cell donation' think of some Middle Age-esque bone sawing, but 90% of the stem cell harvesting is now done via blood, like when you donate blood. Also, the chances of you matching with a person are actually pretty slim, but to think that I could potentially save someone with leukaemia's life is pretty satisfying.
The process of applying is pretty simple: you simply complete an online form, do a spit test (although after October, that is changing over to a swab test) and send it back to them through the post. All of this is free, and if you match with someone, they pay for you to travel to hospital and any work you may miss.
I decided to sign up in the hopes that I could make a difference to someone's life, especially as it wouldn't really require that much effort on my part!
I know that neither Klara nor I have been posting often, so here's a little update on our lives:
Klara is very busy with exams and her boyfriend, and unfortunately her laptop broke, so has been unable to access the blogging platform. She has also been a bit ill recently, and even I haven't seen her :(
I am also v busy with exams, and struggling with the hours I am being told I have to do but am physically unable to, and everything got a little bit too much. However, I'm trying to do blogging bursts where I'll type up and schedule a few posts for the week ahead.
So, have no fear, we are both okay and will be back soon. Thank you for your continued reads, and do let us know if you have any suggestions <333
Swirling, pounding my mind
Pulling my eyelids down
I am a desperate wanderer
Seeking refuge in sleep
Take me in,
Wrap me in time lost
Enrobe me in blissful quiet
[Amber made a list of things she hates as a result of being ill towards the end of last year, which you can find
here]
So I've spent a LOT of time being sick and it sucks so I thought I'd blog about why it does.
- You miss out on fun things (parties, school trips, outings, dates etc.).
- You miss out on important things, such as lessons.
- You can't eat :(
- You can't do anything except lie in bed and watch TV.
- You feel disgusting.
- You look disgusting.
- As a result of social media you can see everyone else having fun without you.
- Doctors' surgeries always have ridiculously long waiting times.
- You have to drink exceptional amounts and it's just not fun.
- You need to sleep but you just can't.
