Butcher a role model for all Alaskans

Resslin' Around by Casey Ressler

Last Saturday was a sad day for all of Alaska, as news of Susan Butcher's passing spread throughout the state. While the biggest state in the union in terms of size, Alaska is relatively a small community, and her death was felt by every town, as personal connections to her are everywhere.

Susan embodied exactly what it is to be an Alaskan - a rugged person with a drive and will to succeed, someone who genuinely cares for others and will do just about anything for their friends and neighbors. If we all lived our lives with the same gusto that Susan did, we'd all be better people. Even in her last days, Susan showed courage and veracity for life.

Leukemia may have taken her life, but her spirit will never die.

&#8220She was happy to use her spotlight for things she believed in,” Jeff King, a four-time champion said.

King was talking about Butcher's passion for quality dog care. But he could have been talking about her efforts in making the issue of bone marrow transplantation a topic of conversation. Her battle illustrated why it is so important that people donate blood, and why people should sign up for the national bone marrow registry.

A few years ago, I did a story about Brittany Heck, then a Palmer High School student who now goes to Clemson University. She was organizing a bone marrow registry drive, and her first order of business was making sure I signed up. Some day, I hope to get a call asking to be a donor, because I know I'll have given someone a second chance at life. Heck has won numerous national awards for her work in getting people signed up for the registry, and her efforts are undoubtedly making a difference.

Signing up for the registry is simple, and you could save someone's life if you are a match.

As Susan Butcher taught us, leukemia, like cancer, can strike anybody, even the toughest and most revered people. Finding a bone marrow match is such a rare occurrence that having as many people registered as possible is extremely important. The odds of saving a life increase with every single person who signs up, and you never know if you will be the person to save another's life.

Susan brought even more awareness to the cause of bone marrow transplants, further showing how much she cared for others. While she ultimately lost her fight, if she got one person to sign up for the registry who otherwise wouldn't have, her efforts will help save a stranger's life.

Like Susan, Alaskans are always willing to help out. Do your part. Sign up for the bone marrow registry, and stop in at the Blood Bank of Alaska every now and then. You never know if some day in the future, you'll be the one who needs donated blood or are looking for a bone marrow match. It may be you, your son or your daughter - but you'll be thankful a stranger was there to help.

Casey Ressler (valleylife@frontiersman.com) is the Valley Life editor.