Mr. Speaker, Saturday was World Marrow Donor Day.
It is a day to recognize and thank those who donated cells or marrow for transplant.
Our family received devastating news two and a half years ago when our nephew Lincoln was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, meaning that a simple cold or a cut could kill him. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant. Against all odds, a match was found, one match in the entire world. An anonymous stranger took the time to sign up, went through testing and agreed to donate her bone marrow. Those acts of selfless kindness saved his life.
This week we found out her name: Ann. To Ann and all those donors, we say, “Thank you. You are our heroes.”
On this occasion, I would like to encourage Canadians between the ages of 17 and 35 to go to blood.ca to find out how they can register to be a donor. It only takes a few minutes and it can save other lives, just like Lincoln's.