This recent post and thought for the day comes after I have read about an urgent need for strangers to help:
Via blog post by Claycord: "Sgt. Brian Carter has worked for the Martinez Police Department since 2000. The 36-year-old father of two young sons was diagnosed last year with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer involving the cells of the immune system. His cancer went into remission after he underwent chemotherapy and radiation, but returned recently and he must undergo a stem cell transplant at Stanford Hospital, according to Martinez Police Commander Gary Peterson."
To read more click here: http://claycord.com/2010/07/29/coming-up-bone-marrow-drive-for-martinez-polic...
So I started thinking - a more thought provoking and soul searching question: If you could help save someone’s life, how far out of your way would you be willing to go? I’m not talking about on the job, on the timecard so to speak. What about a kidney? We have all read or heard about news stories of someone giving a kidney to a complete stranger - right? It warms our heart for a few minutes then we change the channel and it’s on to the next thought, or lack of thought perhaps.
Today in Martinez a bone marrow drive is being held for a young officer who is in need of a transplant. MY first thought is the drive on Highway 4! It’s a traffic jam in both directions if not timed perfectly. And sometimes there could be a financial cost to donate? It’s not uncommon to be asked for a $100 donation to help cover the cost of lab work in tissue donation procedures, so I’m told. Is it worth it to me to be out a hundred dollars to be a potential donor to a stranger? These are weighty questions. But If that young man in need was my son, husband or brother, I would hope that people would step up despite the possible inconveniences.
Many of us heard this story before, but I would like to revisit it with this topic. The book of Luke in the Bible tells of a man who fell into the hands of robbers. “They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest passed by on the other side of the road when he saw him. So too, a Levite (holy man) when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But the good Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds…He put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him” he said “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have”. Luke 10:30-35.
It just makes me think, so maybe I will venture out in that big parking lot that we call Highway 4. Ask me for the update the next time you see me in the hall, or stick your head in my office someday and let’s talk about it.
Bone Marrow Drive for Sgt. Carter
Today, July 29, 2010
At 6PM
525 Henrietta Street, Martinez
Chaplain Denise
(925) 779-7200 x1237