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Nurse’s ‘match’ extends compassion for others

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
It’s ICU nurse Lucinda Magwood’s innate desire to help people in need. A burn nurse for more than 18 years, she learned the value of life watching young men and women cope, recover, and persevere through some of the most traumatic life-threatening situations. 

Lucinda Magwood was presented a Team MUSC T-shirt and goodie bag on behalf of Team MUSC and Business Development and Marketing Services on May 10.

Next week Magwood will provide the ultimate gift as she participates in a peripheral blood stem cell donation that could save the life of a patient she does not know.

Magwood’s story began more than three years ago as one of thousands of walkers who participate annually in the Cooper River Bridge Run. At the 2001 event finish, Magwood elected to participate in a local bone marrow registry drive, joining more than 4 million other potential donors currently in the national registry. 

The drive was coordinated by health organizers at Team MUSC , a health program organized for employees, students, patients, and family members to encourage  fitness and the achievement of wellness goals. 

“At first I was attracted to getting a free T-shirt for participating,” Magwood said. “I learned later that it was really much more than that.”

After completing a health history questionnaire, providing a blood sample, and signing a consent form listing her tissue type on the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry, she was quickly on her way. 

In January, she received a telephone call from the American Red Cross informing her that she was a potential match. Little did she know that her decision to participate would change her as a person and renew her commitment as a nurse caregiver.

“Working at a hospital, I see young people heal and receive a second chance at life,” Magwood said. “For this patient, a procedure like this may be the only chance at enjoying many meaningful years ahead. This is my opportunity to make a difference, and I feel that the effort is worthwhile.” 

After completing additional screenings and consultations at the donor center in North Carolina, it was recommended that Magwood undergo a peripheral blood stem cell collection because of her anemia. Peripheral blood stem cell collection is considered a safe, successful alternative to a bone marrow donation and typical for most unrelated donor transplantation.

Stem cells are manufactured in the bone marrow and released in the blood in small amounts. To prepare for the procedure, Magwood will undergo a series of Filgrastim shots, a drug that stimulates the body’s production of stem cells released into the bloodstream and collected through apheresis. Similar to a platelet donation, the procedure separates stem cells from a donor’s blood and returns it and other blood products directly back to the donor.

Magwood’s participation is part of a research study testing the efficacy of peripheral blood stem cell collection versus cells collected from a bone marrow donor procedure. As a study participant she will complete additional testing, exams, and post-donation follow-up. Magwood’s apheresis process will take place at Duke University Medical Center. She was told she could experience fatigue and flu-like symptoms.

“Like many minority donations, African-American donors are under-represented in the bone marrow registry,” said Ann Webb, American Red Cross Work Up coordinator. “We need to constantly inform and educate people about the potential life-saving benefits of marrow donations and encourage them to register.”

Specific genetic characteristics influence a person’s immune response and marrow compatibility. Minorities are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding a match due to the limited number of participants registered in the donor pool. 

Throughout the process, Magwood has been appreciative of the continual support of co-workers, family, and friends. The staff at MUSC’s Medical-Surgical ICU has been more than supportive these past few months. And in this process, she’s discovered camaraderie among other nurses and medical staff already on the National Bone Marrow Donor registry. 

“Lucinda is naturally a genuinely giving person,” said Florence Simmons, R.N., continuum care manager, registry participant and friend. “She’s always thinking of others and is there to do whatever is necessary. Lucinda is courageous in her decision and knows what’s ahead for herself and the recipient. To me, she’s a real hero among us.”

For information on the American Red Cross National Marrow Donor Program call Tarsha Harrison at 744-8021, ext. 371.

Friday, May 14, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.