|
The African Caribbean Leukemia
Trust The Background The African Caribbean Leukemia Trust (ACLT) was established in June 1996 by Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis, the parents of Leukemia sufferer Daniel De-Gale. The ACLT is a voluntary charity, whose aim is to increase the number of black and mixed parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The 10 members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disease may otherwise prove fatal. The likelihood is that finding a matching donor is considerably greater in donors from the same ethnic background. This involves organising and conducting numerous recruitment registration clinics throughout the UK, specifically in predominantly black populated cities and towns. "By Any Means Necessary" It would be unlikely to find a match for an African, African Caribbean or African American patient from a largely Caucasian register. Similarly, an Asian patient would more likely to find a match from within the Asian community, and so on. The ACLT and its supporters pray for a positive result for sufferers, and have a famous saying "BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY" and will do anything to make sure they are heard. If doors are shut in their faces they will keep knocking until they are opened up. The Society's Objectives * Supporting sufferers of ACLT and any other bone marrow related illnesses such as Aplastic Anaemia, and their families by providing information, advice, moral support and assistance. * To increase awareness and knowledge of ACLT amongst, carers, community groups and the general public. At present out of a register of approximately 298,000 on the UK Bone Marrow Register approximately 11,000 are of African, African Caribbean or mixed parentage descent. This needs to be more in line with the proportion of black people in the United Kingdom. A figure of around 30,000-40,000 would be more fitting. What is Leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, which are produced by the bone marrow. The 4 main types are Leukemia Acute Lymphoblastic (ALL), Acute Myeloblastic (AML), Chronic Lymphoctic (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid (CML). Each disease has its own characteristics and treatment. Leukemia affects both black and white people but unfortunately in the black community it is not thought of as a black illness in the same way as Sickle Cell Anaemia, High Blood Pressure or Lupus has been. Black sufferers who need a bone marrow transplant for example are at a disadvantage due to lack of suitable black donors. What is Bone Marrow & How Is It Extracted? Bone marrow is a spongy material that fills the bones and produces the cells, which develop into the 3 different types of blood cells. The red blood cells that carry oxygen to all cells in the body. The white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection. The platelets that help the blood to clot and thereby control bleeding. All these cells normally stay inside the marrow until they are mature enough to circulate in the blood and perform their functions properly. It is extracted from the pelvic bones by needle under a general anaesthetic. Bone Marrow Transplant Bone marrow transplantation is given as a last option after a patient has relapsed, due to the return of the leukemia cells in the blood stream. The aim is to provide you with a source of healthy bone marrow from either a brother or sister who is a close match to your own or an unrelated donor where tests have shown that their marrow is compatible. Do Transplants Save Lives? Yes. Chemotherapy or radiation destroys the bone marrow of the patient. The healthy marrow cells of the donor are transfused into the patient's bones and if successful will begin to produce normal, healthy blood cells. Can I Make A Difference? Yes you can. A simple blood test will determine your bone marrow tissue type, which is the added to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust register. In addition all of the registers around the world will be able to use your details to see if you match a patient of your racial/ethnic descent in their respective countries. How Do I Volunteer? You must be between 18-45 years old and in good health. A simple blood test will put you on the confidential register. If you ever match with a patient you will be selected for further blood tests to determine the accuracy of the donor to patient matching details. What Happens If I Match & How Will I Be Looked After? If you match a patient, you will firstly be required to give at least 4 further blood samples over a series of months. If you are chosen to donate, a full medical is arranged for at least 3 weeks prior to donation. This medical ensures that you are fit enough to undergo the general anaesthetic and the procedure of bone marrow donation itself. The donation procedure involves a 2-night stay in a London hospital and the donor should expect to feel some localised discomfort and bruising after the procedure, for a few days. Tiredness and general lethargy are also expected for up to 10 days whilst the marrow rebuilds in the body. An Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust Welfare Officer will also visit you in hospital and maintain contact for a short time after the donation. All donors should be aware that a week off work is strongly advised and all travel expenses and loss of earnings are discussed and covered. Further Information To make a donation or for more information about the African Caribbean Leukemia Trust contact: AFRICAN CARIBBEAN LEUKEMIA TRUST A.C.L.T. Head Office PO Box 670 Croydon CR7 7WZ ENGLAND Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 20 8239 0027 URL: http://www.cursitor.com/aclt Email: aclt@aol.com HELP SAVE A LIFE TO CHANGE A LIFE THE CHOICE IS YOURS HELP OR WALK AWAY? |
|
|
|
||
