Bone marrow donors needed

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The anniversary of my nephew Matt Underwood's passing was September 6. His life was over so quickly that, as family and friends reflected that day, we recalled details that unfolded like a colorful quilt.

His gifts were many. He was a talented artist, an exceptional athlete, a coach's dream for the way he put 100 per cent into practices and games in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. The dreams he had of playing on the national field lacrosse team did not come true. It was during the national tryouts that Matt first experienced signs of leukemia. Initially, it was thought that Matt had mononucleosis.

When Canada lost the world championship tournament final to the United States, I wondered how they would have fared if Matt had been there.

It seems like such a short time ago that we were encouraging all our extended family members who had not registered as potential bone marrow donors to please do so. Throughout his struggles with chemotherapy and having his own bone marrow harvested, there were only a few moments family and friends could recall when Matt lost his positive outlook. It was the strength of his character and his warm heart that drew people to him. The open sharing of his condition dramatically increased the numbers of Aboriginal bone marrow donors to the Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry. In a campaign launched on Matthew's 24th birthday - February 3, 1997 - Matt invited the public to a potluck birthday party at the Lauwelnew Tribal School. The response was overwhelming. The full gymnasium was a testimony to his appeal. The goal of 100 donors who had their blood drawn was reached immediately. One hundred other donors had to be referred to other appointments. An additional 100 attended the public Red Cross campaign a few days later.

At the Indigenous Games in 1998 it is estimated that Matt reached more than 500 people who registered throughout North America. This campaign was believed to have specifically added 200 potential Aboriginal bone marrow donors. The Red Cross was astounded. It was typical to recruit 20 to 30 new bone marrow registrants with each campaign, Matt's influence multiplied that by five.

His efforts did not stop at recruiting bone marrow donors. He participated in the Canadian Cancer Society's running event, "Relay for a Friend" at the University of Victoria, May 9, 1998, and shaved his father, Barry Underwood's head at the Cops for Cancer event in Victoria. His memory was reinforced in the 1998 cycling tour of Vancouver Island - the "Tour de Rock."

One of the police officers dedicated his ride to Matt. During his illness Matt worked on completing many of his dreams. Although treatment soon left him without the energy to play field and box lacrosse he continued to coach his young teams. His teams won medals in the provincial play-offs and the Indigenous games. Not many of us witness miracles, but in Matt's life there were many miracles. In our traditions, if you give generously you are rewarded by good things coming back to you. This was evident in the hundreds of people who came forward to try to help Matt, and it was powerfully evident in the miracle of his love for Dawn Frank, and in the living symbol of that love, their daughter Bridgette.

Due to the intensity of the treatment that Matt undertook to fight his leukemia it was thought that he could not father any children.

But then Bridgette was born October 17, 1997. This great event restored his energy and allowed Dawn and Matt to view their future with renewed hope. The "Native Code of Ethics" guided Matt's life. These simple principles drew people to him so that his life was not lived in vain but served to build a historic legacy that will remain in the play of the young players he so skillfully coached and in the stories his family will pass on to the unborn generations. The challenge is there for each one of us to discipline ourselves to follow these teachings:

Treat the earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

Remain cose to the great spirit.

Show great respect for your fellow beings.

Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

Do what you know to be right.

Look after the well-being of mind and body.

Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

Be truthful and honest at all times.

Take full responsibility for your actions.

On visiting Matt's grave site on September 6 I closed my eyes and remembered his young team standing and offering "Three cheers for Matt."

The vitality and strength of their cheer echoed throughout the cemetery to remind us of the legacy Matt had left behind.

Please check out an important website: http:/www.islandnet.com/-helpmatt/recover.htm

It contains a banner that can be added to your own website. The banner reads, "Keep the Circle Strong."

Become a bone marrow donor.

In loving memory of Matt Underwood.