BMT InfoNet Teams Up with Transplant
Survivor to Help Katrina
Victims
"I thought that having a bone marrow transplant was the hardest
thing I would ever do. Who knew?" said Margaret Reina, a 5-year transplant
survivor who fled her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, a day before Katrina hit.
Reina, who was transplanted for chronic myelogenous leukemia in
2000, took refuge in a trailer loaned to her by a friend in rural Louisiana 80
miles west of New Orleans. As she watched the bus-loads of evacuees pour into
the area with literally nothing but the clothes on their back, she decided to
take action. 
"I met people who were picked off their roof-tops and bussed here
to safety," said Reina. "One woman arrived in her pajamas and bare feet."
"The big relief agencies' efforts are concentrated in the larger
cities," she said. "They don't have much of a presence in the rural communities
where people are spread out and difficult to reach, yet the need in these
communities is so great. I've seen so many blank faces-so much fear and
despair. People have literally lost everything."
To help families get back on their feet, Reina and her partner
Chodie began distributing gift cards to evacuees that could be used at
department stores and gas stations in town. They distribute the cards outside a
community center where flood evacuees pick up meals, and at temporary shelters.
"We ask them what they need," said Reina. "Some need clothing,
others need medicine, others need diapers for their baby. A local shelter
needed fans to help keep residents cool. We're not part of a big agency. We're
just evacuees in need who are reaching out to help others."
BMT InfoNet is aiding their effort by becoming a conduit for
donations to evacuee families in rural areas. "We're delighted to support the
efforts of one of our own-a transplant survivor who knows how to overcome tough
odds-and who is putting her 'can-do' attitude to work to help others," said Sue
Stewart, director of BMT InfoNet.
You can support BMT InfoNet's and Reina's relief effort by
purchasing a gift card online at www.bmtinfonet.org/ giftcard.html or by
phoning BMT InfoNet at 888-597-7674. One-hundred percent of your donation will
be sent to the hurricane and flood victims.
Reina is keeping a log with information about the families helped
by this effort. "A lot of people want to tell their story. They want to be able
to say 'thank you' to those who helped them," said Reina.
Margaret Reina is one of the transplant
survivors featured in BMT InfoNet's 2006 Celebrating Life Calendar. To see
photos and stories about her, order your calendar today. For more information
visit www.bmtinfonet.org/calendar2006.html
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