Be The Match

Twelve years ago, I signed up to become a member of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry.  I actually had my bone marrow typing tested in 1987, after the birth of my first son, Avi, who was born with a bone marrow disorder. My entire family was tested to discover if any of us was a perfect match for Avi in case he eventually needed a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, he passed away before he was five. Luckily, his bone marrow hadn't yet failed, so we never went through with the agony of a transplant. 

Six years after Avi's death, I realized that I could help save a life by registering with the NMDP. This realization helped me to create something positive out of the sad and tragic experience of losing a child. 

I got a reminder letter in the mail yesterday from the NMDP to update my contact information. I was struck by 1) how much things have changed since I first registered (a new home, divorced, new phone numbers) and 2) how the NMDP's new name, Be The Match, describes the work that I now do.

So how is my work compared to a match? As a life coach, I have learned the importance of seeing the intrinsic value in each person. I believe that there is a spark in each person, a flame that often gets veiled in self-doubt, self-beat up, and judgment. I love to see through the veils and help clients to ignite their own personal spark. I am the match, and I work with clients to fuel their own spark. In turn, they can kindle the light in others. 

How are you a match, lighting the spark in someone in your life?