BloodKode Challenge 2.0

[Grendel]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Two things:

First, were there ever any official numbers as to how many sign-ups we hadl last year and how many blood donations? I want to add it to a talk I'm doing to show we do some good in the world at con.

I'm the guy who organizes the BTM drive (Thomas), and have those stats - please share them, because I think it is definitely important to spread the word of hackers and the national marrow donor program... the first year, we had 95 people sign up for Be The Match, and last year we had 166! It's great to hear you are a potential match; When I was selected, it was an absolute thrill - I hope you are selected as a match. If you have ANY questions about what it's like to be a donor or the process, let me know. There is a lot of technical information, but there is a human side to it as well, so don't hesitate to contact me if you want.

[renderman]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

I'm the guy who organizes the BTM drive (Thomas), and have those stats - please share them, because I think it is definitely important to spread the word of hackers and the national marrow donor program... the first year, we had 95 people sign up for Be The Match, and last year we had 166! It's great to hear you are a potential match; When I was selected, it was an absolute thrill - I hope you are selected as a match. If you have ANY questions about what it's like to be a donor or the process, let me know. There is a lot of technical information, but there is a human side to it as well, so don't hesitate to contact me if you want.

No confirmation or rejection yet. Fingers crossed I get selected.

If there's one thing I have to say about the process up here is that they make damn sure there is informed consent. They send out a thick booklet with everything you could want to know and you get a case manager who talks through it all. The one procedure of bone extraction is expected to hurt like a motherfucker but I just keep thinking that dying has to hurt more, so whatever I go through is alot less than them. Plus I get access to fun painkillers for a few weeks afterwards which is always a bonus.

Thanks for the info. I had heard 168 at one point last year and went with that (talk was last week) so I was damn close. It was amusing that this room of people with a stereotypical view of hackers being put on the spot with me saying 'so we did this at con. What have you done lately?'. Got a few comments afterwards from donors or family of recipients, thanking me for pushing it.

Would it be helpful if I brought down some pamphlets for the Canadian version to have a the table in case any Canucks come by the table?

[Grendel]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

No confirmation or rejection yet. Fingers crossed I get selected.
...

The one procedure of bone extraction is expected to hurt like a motherfucker but I just keep thinking that dying has to hurt more, so whatever I go through is alot less than them. Plus I get access to fun painkillers for a few weeks afterwards which is always a bonus....

Would it be helpful if I brought down some pamphlets for the Canadian version to have a the table in case any Canucks come by the table?

Hope you do - it's an incredible experience.

I actually elected to do the stem cell extraction through my pelvis. Went in on a Thursday morning and back to work by Monday. There is some pain, but as you mentioned they give you good drugs. Only needed them for a couple days. The newer method, Peripheral Blood Stem Cell extraction is much less of an ordeal - similar to giving plasma. The patient's doctor often gets to decide which method to use... but as you mentioned, anything the donor goes through is nothing compared to the patient who has to have all their marrow destroyed before they can receive the transplant.

Feel free to bring down whatever materials you have, and if you can spare an hour or three helping out at the table or getting the word out about the registry drive, I would be most grateful!!

[renderman]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Hope you do - it's an incredible experience.

I actually elected to do the stem cell extraction through my pelvis. Went in on a Thursday morning and back to work by Monday. There is some pain, but as you mentioned they give you good drugs. Only needed them for a couple days. The newer method, Peripheral Blood Stem Cell extraction is much less of an ordeal - similar to giving plasma. The patient's doctor often gets to decide which method to use... but as you mentioned, anything the donor goes through is nothing compared to the patient who has to have all their marrow destroyed before they can receive the transplant.

Feel free to bring down whatever materials you have, and if you can spare an hour or three helping out at the table or getting the word out about the registry drive, I would be most grateful!!

Time at con is always complete guess work, but I will do what I can.

[renderman]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

No confirmation or rejection yet. Fingers crossed I get selected.

Just got the letter, they did'nt need me and my profile is back in the pool. Makes me sad but here's hoping for another hit soon.

[Grendel]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Just got the letter, they did'nt need me and my profile is back in the pool. Makes me sad but here's hoping for another hit soon.

Did you get a lot of additional blood work done for this? If so, part of that process is to do additional match typing. That actually puts you up higher on the list of making a match, since they have a better profile for you. I actually was a match for another woman before I gave to Joey (http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-make...-family/336464) who had complications and couldn't receive the donation... but because of all the blood work I had done, I was at the top of the list for the next match (saves the patient money).

[renderman]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Did you get a lot of additional blood work done for this? If so, part of that process is to do additional match typing. That actually puts you up higher on the list of making a match, since they have a better profile for you. I actually was a match for another woman before I gave to Joey (http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-make...-family/336464) who had complications and couldn't receive the donation... but because of all the blood work I had done, I was at the top of the list for the next match (saves the patient money).

I did get a bunch of blood taken for that reason. Not sure about down there, but here they do the swap and match in six points. If thats a match, they draw a bunch of vials and match on twelve points. As you say, I'm probobly going to be higher on the list now since they have a full profile on me and dont have to wait as long to be sure.

Here's hoping that I get to do something useful with it.

As I said before though, I would'nt have signed up if not for BloodKode/Be The Match at con. It was an oppourtunity to hack something useful for once.

[Jayson.Street]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

EPIC UPDATES ARE EPIC!

Hiya Everyone,

Just when you thought that giving blood couldn't get any better.......Surprise Ninjas attacks! Not in the bad way either!
Ninja Networks by far one of the coolest groups at DEFCON has decided to give everyone who donates a lapel pin! which is awesome, what is even more AWESOME this lapel pin gets you into the LAST Ninja Networks party! I don't know about you but I would spill some blood to get into that party even my own ;-)

Remember we will still have swag & Awkward Hugs to give away like that matters now!

Plus you're giving away the Grand Prize! Your blood that can help save a life! Forget the prizes forget the party forget my corny update! I want everyone to know how important this act of giving is! Someone out there you will never meet will see their family again hold a loved one because at a hacker conference YOU decided to help & give the gift of life. We in this industry have to see a lot of the negative it's just part of how it works. Though take a moment and step back & look at all the positive that comes out of this conference. A blood drive, a bone marrow registration drive, hackers for charity, EFF drive, fund raiser for Brad the Nurse, so many more! I like to see the best in any situation, being at DEFCON & around so many wonderful people who are making a positive change in this world it is very easy.

So for the ones you help in so many ways who can't say it themselves THANK YOU! & from a weird wannabe hacker and DEFCON fanboi who is humbled by your giving and grateful to be a small part in this THANK YOU!

Jayson

[Jayson.Street]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Now after reading that epic update here is what I know as of now.

The blood drive will happen Friday & Saturday 9AM to 5PM.
The location will be posted at the conference the only reason we have a spot is because of the hard work of Pyro, Charel, Nikita & of course DT so big THANKS to them! :-)

Speaking of making this happen if it wasn't for Thomas Wilhelm who is busy working with "Be the Match" this would not have happened! so put a swab in your mouth for a second & register! ;-)

If giving blood be HYDRATED that is important you need to have been sober for at least 3-4 hours before you give it & stay hydrated afterwards!
More information will be given by actual professionals onsite so please show up early if you have any questions.

Thanks again!

[kevine]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

It may be that my coffee hasn't kicked in yet but I haven't seen anything about the blood marrow registration...is that just paperwork that you fill out at the booth? I ask because my wife and I saw a segment on the national news about it a week or two ago and decided we both wanted to sign up. If it is something you guys are doing there I'll just do it when I give blood.

Thanks!

Now after reading that epic update here is what I know as of now.

The blood drive will happen Friday & Saturday 9AM to 5PM.

Thanks again!

[Jayson.Street]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

It may be that my coffee hasn't kicked in yet but I haven't seen anything about the blood marrow registration...is that just paperwork that you fill out at the booth? I ask because my wife and I saw a segment on the national news about it a week or two ago and decided we both wanted to sign up. If it is something you guys are doing there I'll just do it when I give blood.

Thanks!

Yes the Be the Match will be there again this year. Plus I promised Thomas along with people more notable than me to man the booth an hour so. So stop by the Be the match boot in the contest area. Get registered & maybe an Awkward Hug at the same time ;-)

[Grendel]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

It may be that my coffee hasn't kicked in yet but I haven't seen anything about the blood marrow registration...is that just paperwork that you fill out at the booth? I ask because my wife and I saw a segment on the national news about it a week or two ago and decided we both wanted to sign up. If it is something you guys are doing there I'll just do it when I give blood.

Thanks!

There's a forum section just for the Marrow Donor registry drive here:

https://forum.defcon.org/forumdisplay.php?f=635

It'll have details you're looking for. See you at the Con!!

[ButterSnatcher]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

This may seem like a silly question but do they take canuk blood. or only US citizen blood.

[kevine]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

Ah, dude...I'm a goon. I GIVE awkward hugs...it's part of the job description. See you there :-)

Get registered & maybe an Awkward Hug at the same time ;-)

[astcell]

Re: BloodKode Challenge 2.0

This may seem like a silly question but do they take canuk blood. or only US citizen blood.

They will ask what countries you have been to. Some will disqualify you immediately. Oh do not take NYQUIL it will make it look like you have a dodgy liver and they will not want your blood. And no coffee or alcohol before donating.