Eagles,
As a 21-year-old soldier, I signed up as a donor in the US Army's Salute to Life Program, a registry for bone marrow donors. I had all but forgotten that my name and markers remained on the registry for possible matches until November of last year when I received a call from the Department of Defense that informed me that I was a match with a 15-year-old girl fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Back then (1998), the most common treatment option was an invasive bone marrow extraction that was painful to donors and dangerous for immunocompromised recipients. Now, we're looking at a future brightened by advances in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) extraction technology, a method that promises a less invasive CURE to lymphoma. Pioneered in the 1980s and refined through the 1990s, this breakthrough was made possible by the hard work of young students who were just a little older than our students here at Woodlawn Academy at the time of my registry. It's a stark reminder of the power of education and our students' role in shaping the future.
In the coming days, I will undergo a procedure to donate my stem cells, hoping to give this young girl a chance at a new life. This process, supported by Be The Match®, involves several days of preparation but represents a beacon of hope for those in dire need. I made this decision out of a sense of duty to others, grounded in the belief that we should do for others as we would have them do for us or our loved ones.
This personal journey, while unique, is symbolic of the broader narrative we share at Woodlawn Academy. It is a narrative of progress, innovation, and, above all, hope. It serves as a reminder of the impact our students are poised to make in the world. Their future contributions to science and technology will undoubtedly change the human experience in ways we can only begin to imagine. But it all starts here, with a commitment to learning and a refusal to shun knowledge out of fear.
I am reminded of our community's strength and support. Your understanding and encouragement are invaluable, and I remain ever grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Together, we are not just nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators; we are contributing to a legacy of hope and healing that transcends the confines of Woodlawn. Let us continue to foster an environment where curiosity leads to discovery and challenges are seen as opportunities to excel. Our journey together is far from over, and I am excited to see where it takes us next.
I encourage each and everyone to investigate the "Be the Match" website below and find out how you can become a donor too!
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Ever Stalwart,
Luis De La Garza
Head of School and Principal
Woodlawn Academy
