Memorializing a loved one

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Over time we have spoken with many families who selected Be The Match Foundation^® as the recipient of memorial funds. Through this process we learned that memorializing a loved one’s life is an important part of the healing process. Many have asked us to make it possible to tell the story of their loved one’s life, to celebrate their spirit and their contributions to the world.

Introducing Be The Match Memorials

In response to that request we are delighted to introduce Be The Match Memorials. This section of our website offers the opportunity to create a personalized webpage in memory of a loved one, to share their lasting legacy with others. It is designed to remember a loved one lost to lymphoma, leukemia or any other disease treatable with a marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant, like Bill Bray, pictured here. Bill’s daughter, Liz Neihart (with some editorial help from her mother, Denise Bray), created a touching memorial page for her dad Bill, who unfortunately lost his battle with lymphoma in March 2011.

Sharing your story

Each memorial page can be customized with a personal story and favorite picture.  The site makes it easy to send e-mails inviting family and friends to visit the page, read the story, and sign the guestbook.

We do recognize that many people wish to reach out and help others as a result of their experience, so we have made it as easy as possible for people to make financial contributions. The site is designed to forward a message easily, and ask others to consider making a gift as a tribute or to commemorate a special anniversary.  However, fundraising is not required or expected.  These pages are first and foremost to help family and friends celebrate the life of the person who passed away.

All memorial funds continue to help marrow or cord blood transplant patients find a matching donor, afford a transplant, and build a future through medical research advances.

We hope our Be The Match Memorials program is helpful to those who have lost someone during the transplant process. Memorials remind everyone that we must continue to accelerate our work to do more for patients who need marrow or cord blood transplants and their families.

To learn more or create a Be The Match Memorial page please visit www.BeTheMatchFoundation.org/memorials