Little Florence McDow is only six, but already she is facing her second stem cell transplant within a year at Duke Hospital. How can we show our support and solidarity for these precious people? On Sunday, December 11, FPC will host a donor drive from noon to 2 p.m. to boost the international bone marrow/stem cell registry and to support and stand in solidarity with Florence and others like her. Our neighboring churches and organizations will be invited to participate, as well.

How can you help? If you are between the ages of 18 and 60 and fit the health profiles, you can have your cheek swabbed to include your tissue type in the international registry. If you are a match, they will give you a call. If you are any age and want to take part, you can contribute to Be The Match Foundation which needs $100 per registrant to process their tissue samples. Or, you can indicate on your driver’s license or at the church that you are willing to be an organ donor at the end of life. All of these are ways of alternative giving, ways that give life and hope to those who are groping for possibilities. Forms will be available at the Advent Festival, and on December 11th to participate and donate. For more information about the registry, go to BeTheMatch.org. Jesus says in John’s Gospel, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11).