When a young leukemia cancer patient hears news about a bone marrow donation, she realizes her life is about to change. Jillian Altenburg is happy that she can provide the means to change someone's life for the better. And at the same time, she says the experience will change her for the better, too.
Jillian Altenburg is a Montanta State University Bachelor of Science Nursing undergraduate. This May, she is going to receive her nursing degree. While she is busy caring for her classes, she anxiously waits for the time she is about to give her bone marrow through the "Be the Match" organization. "Be the Match" is an organization that pairs a child looking for a bone marrow match. Altenburg is now a potential donor to a leukemia cancer patient after getting a call in December.
The nursing undergraduate found out that she is paired up with a leukemia cancer child who is specifically in remission. But there is still time to do the bone marrow procedure, as reported by Cut Bank Pioneer Press. There are two ways to retrieve the bone marrow. The first procedure is putting needles in the arm and the second is inserting needles into her pelvis.
The schedule for the procedure is not fully determined yet, as well as the leukemia cancer patient's. In the meantime, Jillian is busy finishing her senior courses at Montana State University. After she graduates in May, she is going to get her registered nurse license. Montana State University graduates are considered to be highly successful on the NCLEX-RN State board exams, as reported by Montana.
When asked if she is afraid of the pain during the procedure, Altenburg says that she feels lucky to help a leukemia cancer patient. For her, it is worth it. The patient's name will not be revealed to her but she can check her progress and healing through "Be the Match."
Find out more about "Be the match" in the video below:
