Where did Rodney find the Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network?
Rodney first encountered bmtinfonet.org when he was asked to be the official photographer for their event, “Celebrating a Second Chance at Life.” The Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network presented a conference on surviving cancer.
There were conference rooms filled with people and experts who had experienced cancer first-hand, there were PowerPoints on longevity statistics, information that told survivors: soon, your chance of getting cancer will be just the same as everyone else’s. There was talk of new cures and clinical trials, and everywhere there were scenes of caring.
“These are my people,” was the often-repeated phrase, as survivors met their peers. Those who received bone marrow transplants, like Rodney, were suddenly among their cohorts.
There was even a special moment to honor caregivers who had been with survivors every step of the way. Rodney Curtis was there, documenting every room with his photography.
What is the Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network?
Rodney’s brother Scott donated stem cells, which were then dripped into Rodney via IV.
The network was created by Susan K. Stewart, after she underwent a bone marrow transplant in 1998. The network aims to provide help, information and support to anyone who has or will undergo a stem cell, bone marrow or cord blood transplant.
The network can help you find a donor, answers to your questions and the latest in cancer symposiums and webcasts.
“When you’ve been dangled over the abyss, it’s great to know others have hung out there too,” Rodney writes.
