Leaderboard

Hey @Devious6 Nope - the travel isn't an issue (and neither are tattoos). Their are separate bone marrow registries for each country, though. Here's one for you: the vast majority of military members are already on the list as they (and maybe you) were swabbed during your indoctrination. I don't know when they started swabbing though but it's an active policy now. We always ask if someone is military because we don't want them on the list twice. You can get on the list until you are 55 then stay on it until your are 61. The age requirement is for the safety of the donor and doesn't have anything to do with the quality of your bone marrow. Since in 10% of the time, the donation may require a traditional marrow donation done under a general anesthesia, the concern is for the safety of the donor. The good news is that if you ever want to run a swab event at your school, you know who to ask. :) Check out this video of a amazing young man named Haden who started swabbing at his school after he was diagnosed....he earned his angel wings last year. He was a tremendous young man. Watch this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4irLwoiQr

On Friday, I had one of those "positive affirmation" moments that don't come along too often. I was volunteering at Warped with my charity, Love Hope Strength. At the end of the night, I had the deep honor of meeting the man who started the charity, Mike Peters of The Alarm. He was so incredibly genuine and sincere in his thanks to me for helping with his charity. And his wife was so amazing in her own right. Thet say that you should never meet your hero's but in this case, I am thrilled that I did! They both inspired me on a deep level....

Pretty rough tattoo. Got those and a back piece at a young age. Do have an upcoming appointment next month tho with a solid artist to start some proper b&g leg work!

Okay then...I was only trying to be nice and find out more about you based on exactly what you said - what you put out in the forum! That's it. Good luck to you.

Good for you. Glad that you found an artist! My question wasn't cheeky at all. I am very curious to know if you have other tattoos. I am by no means an expert (which by all accounts takes 10,000 of practice before your become an expert in anything). I often pass on giving any type of advice because while I am informed, I still don't necessarily feel qualified to give an opinion. I have about 60 hours of needle time, both sets of ribs, a full spine and other work that has shaped my perspective to date but I am always open to learn more. This is a tattoo forum where we celebrate our tattoos whether it's the first or the 100th. You've been posting a bit over the last three weeks and I simply wanted to know more about your work. I celebrate diversity of opinions - that's what makes the world tick. I do think that when you celebrate your tattoos, artists and experiences it earns you respect in the community. I am unsure what you mean by not being surprised that your artist wasn't found on this site? There are so many amazing artists. Why not share someone amazing so other's can see their work?

So, being a bone marrow donor does have certain requirements but the mad cow thing isn't one of them! Basically, the goal is to find a cancer patients identical genetic twin through a process called Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. HLA is a DNA-based tissue test used to match patients and donors for bone marrow transplants. HLA are proteins — or markers — found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these markers to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. The closer the match the better the chances the patient’s body will accept the donated cells and allow them to grow and make new healthy cells. It's completely different and separate from giving blood! :) @devious @jaimilyn And you go! @oboogie

Did you decide on an artist? Also, what other tattoos do you have?

I generally agree with the comments above. Were they done by the same artist? Can't say I'm a big fan of the top one, the bottom is, IMHO, solid but not great. How long ago did you get them? It's tough to judge placement - I assume you got the top one first. To me, when you are using a prime piece of your body's real estate, I think larger is better. That said, it's just my opinion. The reality is this - we all over think our tattoos after we get them. We all see the flaws more than others do. No tattoo is perfect. The bottom line is that the real test is what you think of them, not what we think. My suggestion would be to add around them. I'd look for a more talented artist(s) who can guide you with suggestions and then add some quality pieces. The addition of others will lessen the focus on the ones you might not be so happy with - assuming you aren't. Take the time to look through the pics and vids here. Search for some quality shops/artists. If you let us know where you live, people can make suggestions on great places to start looking. Instagram is you friend in checking out different artists and their work.

Did you see this? Pretty sick! Devotion personified, I'd say. https://www.tattoodo.com/a/2017/01/project-x-vegan-activist-alfredo-meschi-gets-40-000-tattoos/

Hi all, been lurking and decided to post today. I don't have any tattoos but want to get one. I'm 33/m and live in Maryland in the US. I've always been interested and drawn to tattoos but could never find something meaningful enough to pull the trigger. Finally with the birth of my second child, I feel inspired enough to get one. I guess my question is, what do I do now? My kids names are Ivy and Archer and since their names are both nouns (ivy the plant/vine, and archer - one who performs archery), I thought their names could somewhat easily be translated to an image. I'm just not sure what that image would be. I'm thinking a half sleeve on my upper left arm. Is this enough of an idea to bring to an artist? Anyone got any good ideas how to bring together the two names into a cohesive idea? Thanks all and nice to be here with you.

Hey there and welcome! You have so many creative options. My two cents - first, start researching artists and figure out what style you may like. So many artists would love to do a custom piece based on some general ideas that you already have (just the names alone spark ideas). Instagram will be your friend. Look at tons of photos and styles. Then contact an artist for a consult. Where in MD do you live?

As an Aplastic Anemia Survivor (so far) I would like to thank those who donate blood and platelets and those who want to but can't. It never goes to waste. THANK YOU!!!!

@Gingerninja - we'll I'm too old now, anyway. But, seriously, let's set something up for the College this Fall. Me college email is [email protected]. Drop me a note with what you need, when might be some good times and we'll get it set up!!!

I lived in the UK during the mad cow thing, so I can't give blood. Sucks. I signed up for a blood marrow registry, though.

Thanks Ginger, that's fascinating! I'm also barred from donating blood due to the mad cow thing - my dad worked for the department of defense and our family lived off base in Germany from 1984-7, so none of my family can donate any more, even though we used to be very active at it before the rules came into place. I've got other health issues now that would preclude me being a bone marrow donor, but I'll make sure to mention it to people I know as an option because oddly it comes up in conversation a few times a year, especially when someone mentions blood bank shortages in the news. It's nice to know there are still donation options. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A cross.