Community Corner
Still Seeking Her Own Match, Marlboro Woman Plans to Find a 'Lid for Every Pot'
While on the psychological rollercoaster that is living with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Shira Klein has been instrumental in helping to match up 23 bone marrow and stem cell donors and recipients. Sponsored by Grape-Nuts.
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In spite of battling her own disease for almost three years, or perhaps because of it, Shira Klein’s organization, Smiles4Shira . People with leukemia, lymphoma, blood cancer and sickle cell disease now have more than 10,000 extra chances to locate a life-saving match.
Unfortunately, a match has yet to materialize for Klein herself, but she remains fervently optimistic.
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“As my husband’s mother was known to say, ‘There is a lid for every pot,’” Klein said. “My lid may be out there, but I, and Smiles4Shira will not stop until every pot has a lid, one Smile at a time.”
The toughest part of her disease, Klein said, is staying strong in front of her three young children, but they are also her greatest motivation.
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“The idea of not being able to be a part of their lives makes me wake up every day, no matter how I feel, and do everything to be a part of their lives,” she said. “I live my normal life – I smile and laugh every day – I scold my kids if I have to, I kiss my husband every day, and do my best to stay sane knowing what is going on in my body.”
She also credits her husband, Justin, with being her “rock.” He’s busy running a successful law firm, but never misses a doctor’s or appointment, and he keeps her happy and positive.
“He keeps me laughing and loving, and reminds me that no matter what is going on, I should go out and be the best person I can be, every day,” Klein said.
Her lymphoma is in remission right now – for three days at the time of this writing – but she’s scheduled later this week for another stem cell transplant.
“I’m happy, sad, scared, petrified, scared-er, and more scared than I have ever been through this whole process,” Klein said. “But I am also eager to get into the hospital, and kick butt. I know in my heart this transplant will work. Failure is not an option.”
For more information about Smiles4Shira, or to find out how to join the donor registry, visit www.facebook.com/smiles4shira or visit the National Marrow Donor Program site.
