Bedford Police Officer Donates Life In Bone Marrow Transplant

BEDFORD, NH — Michael Cherwin of the Bedford Police Department spent 30 hours in the hospital recently in hopes of saving a life of a complete stranger. Cherwin has donated his bone marrow and stem cells after finding out he was a match for someone battling blood cancer. When asked if he would do it again, he said, "I would do it again if matched, no hesitation," according to the Bedford Police Department.

In 2013 Cherwin was among many local police officers who participated in the bone marrow drive organized by Police Sgt. Phillip Mahoney. This March, Cherwin was contacted by the DKMS organization, letting him know that he was a match for a cancer patient in need to stem cells and bone marrow. When asked if he was still willing to help done bone marrow, Cherwin said, "of course!" according to the Bedford police.

The donation process involved about 30 hours at the hospital. Before the procedure, he had to have several blood tests, a physical exam and several injections to increase his bone marrow production. Cherwin said the donation process was worth it, because it is a good cause. he said he recommends others to become donors as well, and he encourages them to do research before they sign up. He also said it's important to be committed to donating if found to be a match.

Those interested in donating bone marrow may find more information at www.dkms.org.