Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/62124
B Supporting the Donors EN MILLER WORKS as an aircraft systems' technical crew chief for American Airlines, which has made a conscious effort to support bone marrow donations. More than a decade ago, the philanthropy of American Airlines' parent company, the AMR Foundation, became connected with the National Marrow Donor Program through a generous grant. Over the past five years, the airline has increased its role—now running donor drives all around the country for employees and their families. Today, American Airlines will cover all of an employee's sick days if he or she is chosen as a donor. "To date we've helped more than 150 people join the registry, and eight have become donors," says Tanya Kelley, who runs American Airlines' employee outreach program for donors. "We're very proud of that, because it is very difficult for patients to find a match for bone marrow." ABOV E : Ben Miller is back at work and back in his home in Sandwich three years after his successful transplant. dropped." Thankfully, they have some wonderful meds that really help with the nausea and discomfort. One of the worst experiences was that I would become instantly nauseous at the sight or smell of food, any kind of food. I have always been a big eater, your typical "meat and potatoes" guy. The thought of losing my taste for food was absurd. During my pre-transplant consulta- tions, the doctors had warned me that this would most likely happen, and I would be fed through the IV. It happened! Despite all this, my progress during the transplant process went very well. Dr. Rondelli constantly referred to me as his "rock star" pa- tient, because I was doing so well. I was discharged exactly four weeks to the day. What an exciting day that was. The worst was over. Once back in my own home, the process of recovery at first was very slow, at least I thought so. Just a walk around my house was a major journey with a couple of stops to rest, and my desire for food was equally slow to recover. I had many frequent trips to the University of Illinois clinic for follow-up blood tests and a variety of other tests to make sure that my body was truly in recovery. Six months after I was discharged, though, I flew an airplane again, and in another six months I was back at my job for American Airlines. In the summer of 2008, my wife, Shirley, and I were able to go for our annual boating vacation in Kentucky. I feel good and I think I have quite a bit of energy for a 64-year-old man! I have so very many people to thank. It is a humbling experience to see the generosity of so many wonderful friends, co-workers and family, especially my wonderful wife, who was there for me every step of the way. I have a deep belief and faith in God, and I felt his hand in all that has transpired during my transplant. I would also like to stress the importance of volunteering to become a marrow donor. I am alive and able to enjoy life because a generous person made the decision to become a donor. I L L INOI S MEDICINE | 29 PHOTO: LLOYD DEGRANE