Tiny Flowers - Lavender

On happier note...

On that day, the parents, Kepi and I made our way to the Seven Oaks Lavender Farm in Virginia. It was a trip to take my mind off from what about to happen - the bone marrow biopsy.  I got a promotional ticket for three and a free gift of Lavender cuttings. It was drizzling when we drove to the Lavender Farm.

That area is simply beautiful. We drove through idyllic orchards, farms and all types of enchanting greenery. We even stopped by an Alpaca Farm. (I didn't take photos.)

The beauty of the world masked the pain inside me. That day, I had fears but I tried to feel "ok."

A wild white rabbit welcomed us, as we walked towards the Lavender fields. I wanted to pick up and hug the bunny; he's that cute.

Kepi took this photo. I'm amazed at how his photography skills have improved. This is my favorite shot.

Beautiful!

A yellow in the midst of lavenders. I feel like that sometimes.

After the drizzle...

The owner's house.

Mom cutting Lavender stems for the house.

Very fragrant flowers.

My basket and my Lavender cuttings.

Every tiny flower on each stem is blessed with uniqueness, fragrance and beauty - just like us, humans.

Although we're tiny specks of dust in this whole wide world of creation, each of us are all blessed with great strength and tenacity. We are tiny specks that truly matter.

Two Transfusions Later

A bone marrow biopsy, numerous blood work, low platelet counts, bruises all over my arms and two transfusions...  It's been a rough couple of weeks on my side, and I am not sure where the wind will direct my sails the next few weeks.

My doctors and I have decided to put my name on the Bone Marrow Registry; this is in case I need a bone marrow transplant along the way.  I never thought it would go this far, but here I am and here it is.  Honestly, I am not myself lately.  I am depressed and I am in pain.  Most of the time, my mind hovers or flies to faraway places.  I think I lost hope in the middle of everything and I am just starting to pick things up again. 

BUT what's more alarming is that when I did some research on the US Bone Marrow Registry, here's what I found out.  According to bakitwhy.com,

the 2010 U.S Census recorded that there are about 3.4 Million [F]ilipinos in the United States, taking up one of the largest populations of Asian descent here in the United States. However, according to the National Bone Marrow Registry, as of September 2011, only .6% of [F]ilipinos are registered donors, making [F]ilipinos the least represented ethnicity in the Registry. Being the least represented in the registry makes it difficult for our fellow kababayans who are seeking a bone marrow donor that could potentially save their life.(Read the article here.)

This is quite scary for me who has Aplastic Anemia and especially those who are currently in dire need of a bone marrow transplant.

So why are Filipinos and Filipino-Americans reluctant to be Bone Marrow Donors?  According to bakitwhy.com:

• They think that donating Bone Marrow can be a long and painful process
• Some just don't believe in Donating Bone Marrow.
• Some just don't know how to donate.

This blog post is both a plea and a call for Filipinos to be more proactive.

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE FILIPINO AND EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT, ASK YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO GET INVOLVED. Getting tested is a simple swab in the cheek and it won't hurt. WE NEED TO INCREASE THE FILIPINO DONORS IN THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY. 

BE THE MATCH AND GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE.

Thank you to all who sent their love and prayers on Facebook. Your words give me hope.

If you would like to get involved and get tested, who knows, you might be my match, please click HERE.  Or type this URL on your browser - http://bethematch.org/Home.aspx.