Taking an Easy Step to Save a Life: WRAL-TV s Chou Joins Donor Database

WRAL-TV's Renee Chou became a bone marrow donor after being inspired by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for donors.

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Renee Chou recently took what turned out to be a very simple step to help save a life. After hearing about Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for bone marrow donors, she became one herself.

70% of people with blood cancer are not able to find a compatible bone marrow donor within the family, explained Chou. That means they have to rely on a stranger for the life-saving treatment.

When a guest from Delete Blood Cancer stopped by to appear on WRAL's Morning News one day last week, Chou stepped up. She shared her thoughts with capcom:

I am so grateful for my health. If something were to ever change and that one day, I would have to rely on the generosity of others to save my life I hope that lifeline would be there. And so I am registered because I can be that lifeline for someone and give them more years with their loved ones. When we had a morning news guest in the studio who was able to sign us up as donors right then and there, how could I say no?

The process was extremely easy. You had to answer a few questions about your health and meet certain health requirements. Then, the representative from Delete Blood Cancer explained what would be involved if I ended up being a match for someone who needed a bone marrow transplant. I agreed to the terms, and then he handed me two swabs. I swabbed the inside of each cheek for 30 seconds, placed them in an envelope, and I was done! I look forward to the day I get a call that I'm a match and give someone a second chance at life.

Find out more, including how to donate, at deletebloodcancer.org.

More from WRAL.com:

Judge uses diagnosis to spur blood donor registry

Marrow donor drive draws young, old, UNC legend

Thanks to WRAL-TV's Renee Chou for these capcom photos.

WRAL-TVs Renee Chou became a bone marrow donor after being inspired by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for donors.

WRAL-TVs Renee Chou became a bone marrow donor after being inspired by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for donors.

WRAL-TVs Renee Chou became a bone marrow donor after being inspired by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for donors.

WRAL-TVs Renee Chou became a bone marrow donor after being inspired by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox's battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for donors.

LINK:	http://www.capitolbroadcasting.com/2015/07/24/taking-an-easy-step-to-s...
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