Justin Tyler Cude, 13 years old, was diagnosed with AML Leukemia, on February 11th, 2003.

Thank you for your interest in being a possible bone marrow donor for Justin. It is a simple procedure to be tested to see if you are a match for him.

First of all, this is not blood type. An O-positive blood type can give marrow to an A or B blood type. What they are looking for, are markers in the marrow that produce new cells. All you have to do, is go down to any United Blood Services (they are conveniently located around the valley) and ask for the "finger prick test for bone marrow donation". There is a form you need to fill out, and check that you want your blood tested for marrow donation. There is a $25.00 charge. We will have to wait approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the results. The results will be posted in the National Bone Marrow Registry.

Justin's doctors are checking this registry daily. If it turns out that the six preliminary markers match, you will be contacted for further testing. This is a confidential test. The donor and patient will not know too much about each other. The donor and recipient will only know the age and sex of each other. We have to wait two years before we are legally allowed the opportunity to hug their necks and say thank you.

You can get more information on what the procedure is like from the National Bone Marrow Program website at www.marrow.org

If you only could see what we see down here at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Please know that your generous act of love will help someone, if not Justin.

Thank you and God Bless You.