Jun 16, 2013 2 min read

On June 5, the Observer-Reporter ran an article about me and my battle with the blood disease aplastic anemia. I appreciate the article and its opportunity to educate people about the need for blood stem cell transplant donors. The test is only a swab on the inside of the cheek to test for a DNA match. Your article was also instrumental in having volunteers donate blood June 9 at the Three Rivers Greyhounds blood drive.

I am happy to say that someone somewhere in the United States took that stem cell test, and they are a match for me. They are now going through further testing and preparation. I have been advised by my doctor and his team at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center that I will have the life-saving transplant in four to six weeks or sooner.

I used to be a regular blood donor, but was unaware of the potential to help people who are critically ill and are in need of healthy stem cells so that their body could generate its own blood. If you are interested in helping others, contact your local blood bank or obtain more information at the website www.bethematch.com.

I am looking forward to the transplant. I hope for a reasonable recuperation and a return to a normal life and activities.

Thomas Griffith

Canonsburg