MSU kinesiology recent graduate and Black Student Alliance Campus Liason Mychaela Lovelace knows firsthand the importance of bone marrow transplants. Diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, she relied on Be the Match, a program that connects patients with potential donors, to find a lifesaving match.

Lovelace's experience sparked a lifelong commitment to raising awareness. Ever since arriving at MSU, she’s held a yearly bone marrow drive through Be the Match, typically partnering with organizations like her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) or the Black Students' Alliance (BSA). This year, the Be the Match Drive was held March 18.

A Survivor's Mission

Lovelace’s story begins when she was five years old and was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called aplastic anemia. She was diagnosed with a severe form of it, meaning that she would need a bone marrow transplant to live.

When Lovelace was six years old, her mother got involved with Be the Match for her. She had to join the bone marrow registry program, as none of her family matched with her.

Lovelace ended up receiving a 10 out of 10 match from the unrelated donor in 2009, which is rare for African Americans. However, she developed graft versus host disease (GvHD) which is common amongst those who get transplants from unrelated donors. Nonetheless, the transplant saved her life. 

Lovelace and her family regularly attended fundraising walks over the years. On Aug. 10, 2013, Be the Match celebrated and honored Lovelace and flew out her donor as a surprise. Experiences like this inspired Lovelace to want to give back.

“I just know that since I was able to find a match because of Be the Match, I really want to inspire and motivate others to be a potential donor for people that are in my shoes and fighting other blood cancers,” says Lovelace.

Every Match Matters

Lovelace typically hosts the annual drive in Brody Square around March 18, her remission day. During the bone marrow drives, potential donors answer questions about their medical history to make sure they meet the health guidelines

They then do a simple cheek swab that takes 30 seconds. This year, she was able to gather over 100 swabs and new registrants

It’s important to understand that joining the registry does not mean an immediate donation; it can take months or even years for a match to be needed. However, every new registered donor increases the odds of saving a life.

Lovelace understands the fear some have about joining the registry but shares some words of reassurance. 

“Of course, do your research. A lot of people don’t get on the bonemeal registry list because they hear it’s a painful process to give away a transplant,” says Lovelace. “That’s not always the case though, and it has gotten way better now since we’re in a new age.”

To those interested in becoming a registered donor or learn more about Be the Match, visit bethematch.org.