Can You Save My Life?

Isabelle (Ise for short) spent her second birthday in the hospital.  After falling and chipping her tooth Isabelle began battling fevers, and after many tests the doctors determined that there was more than a common virus going around.  After spending time at the University hospital, the Beinhart family was informed that Ise had an enlarged thymus.  Upon further investigation it was found that Ise had Mycobacterium avium infcction (MSMD).  This bacteria causes Ise to have to be on several antibiotics while she awaits a matching donor.  She is on iv medication both day and night as well as many oral. Ise

            The Beinhart family is actively searching for a bone marrow donor for their daughter but Craig adds, “We hope to help someone else who is also struggling through the search. If we can find someone a donor, it is worth it” 

Craig and Jodie Beinhart, with the help of Holly Beinhart and Misc. On Main, had a booth set up at Greiner Crop Services outside of Keota on July 29 during RAGBRAI and they also set up during National Night Out along side Misc. On Main.  Available were kits that allow you sign up to become a donor as well as information about becoming a donor.

Many are misinformed when it comes to the process of donation. One typical reason that people do not choose to donate it because of the cost. According to the Be the Match website, donors never pay to donate marrow. They reimburse travel costs and may reimburse other costs on a case-by-case basis. All medical costs for the donation procedure are covered by the organization or by the patient’s medical insurance.

During the testing, Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing is used to match you with a donor for your bone marrow or cord blood transplant.  When a donor is found, the patient has a period of time where their immune system has to be taken down before the procedure.  After the procedure, the patient’s immune system can take several months or even years to rebuild as well. 

If you are interested in learning more about marrow donation or to become a donor log on to https://join.bethematch.org/Ise.