SC Wisconsin News

Kristie Falk, an Emergency Department nurse at Aspirus Langlade Hospital in Antigo, Wisconsin, has shared her experience with the "Be The Match" (BTM) program. This initiative is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program and facilitates bone marrow and stem cell transplants for patients with life-threatening blood cancers.

Falk's involvement began when a member of her son's hockey team was diagnosed with leukemia. She joined BTM in hopes of helping someone in need. “We were made aware of this program seven to eight years ago,” she said. “As they were considering treatment options, they shared information on the ‘Be The Match’ program and I signed up with the thought of possibly helping someone someday.”

Her decision led to a match last August with a 47-year-old woman suffering from acute myeloid leukemia. “I was told, ‘you're a match for a 47-year-old female that lives in the United States, she has acute myeloid leukemia,’ and that's all I knew,” Falk explained. She traveled to New York City for a three-day procedure to donate stem cells.

Reflecting on her experience, Falk expressed the personal fulfillment it brought her: “You're giving someone a second chance at life, it makes you feel really good and it’s rewarding.” Her story underscores the critical need for donors, particularly for patients lacking matching family members.

Falk encourages others who may be uncertain about becoming donors: “We give blood to people daily and it comes from people like us. If people don't donate, patients don't get it and I would tell those who are on the fence about being a donor to go for it.”

Aspirus Health supports organ, eye, and tissue donation registration as part of National Donor Day observed annually on February 14. This day emphasizes saving lives through various forms of donation while recognizing both donors and recipients.