Taking an Easy Step to Save a Life: WRAL-TV’s Chou Joins Donor Database

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Renee Chou recently took what turned out to be a very simple step to help save a life. After hearing about Superior Court Judge Carl Fox’s battle with blood cancer and learning about the need for bone marrow donors, she became one herself.

“70% of people with blood cancer are not able to find a compatible bone marrow donor within the family,” explained Chou. “That means they have to rely on a stranger for the life-saving treatment.”

When a guest from Delete Blood Cancer stopped by to appear on WRAL’s Morning News one day last week, Chou stepped up. She shared her thoughts with capcom:

I am so grateful for my health. If something were to ever change– and that one day, I would have to rely on the generosity of others to save my life– I hope that lifeline would be there. And so I am registered because I can be that lifeline for someone and give them more years with their loved ones. When we had a morning news guest in the studio who was able to sign us up as donors right then and there, how could I say no?

The process was extremely easy. You had to answer a few questions about your health and meet certain health requirements. Then, the representative from Delete Blood Cancer explained what would be involved if I ended up being a match for someone who needed a bone marrow transplant. I agreed to the terms, and then he handed me two swabs. I swabbed the inside of each cheek for 30 seconds, placed them in an envelope, and I was done! I look forward to the day I get a call that I’m a match– and give someone a second chance at life.