Jeana Moore, a spirited 73-year-old woman, proudly embraces her role as a grandmother. Her journey began 19 years ago when her granddaughter Jada was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, requiring a crucial stem cell transplant to survive.
Amid the search for a compatible donor, a perfect match was found in Germany among 11 million individuals, emphasizing the significance of global collaboration in healthcare. Inspired by this life-changing event, Moore decided to shed light on the importance of stem cell registry.
Thus, the Jada Bascom Foundation was born, propelling Moore on a remarkable quest. Over the years, she has trekked over 11,000 kilometers across various continents, advocating tirelessly for stem cell awareness. Recently, she crossed the Canada/U.S. border, marking her fifth ‘Steps-to-Marrow’ expedition.
During her latest 570-kilometer, 45-day journey, Moore fostered meaningful connections through the QR code around her neck and the backpack she carries. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, with over 500 individuals in Canada and beyond showing interest in joining the stem cell registry.
Eric Belden, Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services, emphasizes the impact of Moore’s efforts on blood donorship, highlighting the potential to be a life-saving match for patients in need. Moore echoes this sentiment, urging everyone to consider the possibility of being a perfect match for someone awaiting a transplant.
Keyphrase: stem cell registry awareness
