FBL : Our Billboards

COMMENTS ON THIS BILLBOARD

Jun 4, 2008

>> That was wonderful, and really hard to think of. Taking pains to save life. Bless you. bemgba paul, gboko Benue State,Nigeria

Apr 24, 2008

>> How AWESOME! What a great story. I would love to do the same. How do I get involved? Ellie T., Washington state USA

Mar 28, 2008

>> I'd like to do the same but have no idea how to do so. I currently donate whole blood and platelets at the Red Cross but they have not been any help. Do you think you can tell me how to get started? Thenderson, Peoria, IL

Feb 25, 2008

>> Wow, this is such a cool story. Something that all of us can do, but don't. We all have the chance to be Heroes if we'll just do it. I love the stories of the everyday heroes like Brooks. They are just as inspiring if not more so than the well known names. Good work Brooks. I'll be on the look out for your billboard. I'm sure it'll bring a smile to my face. Bob G., California

Dec 17, 2007

>> Brooks gives us all the knowledge of what it takes to sacrifice. I congratulate him and others. I am sure he is rewarded daily, he is a great person. I am betting the whole family is so thankful! Teresa, Utah, USA

Nov 8, 2007

>> This is so selfless of him. This should really make people want to do the same thing....but it may hurt. I'm sure he got through the pain though. Amanda H., Oregon, USA

Nov 7, 2007

>> This story is very inspiring! I think it was very selfless of him to donate bone marrow, especially when he is so young! Evelyn B., Oregon, USA

Sep 14, 2007

>> It is strangers like that who are going to end up changing the world. People who want to help people they never have, and probably never will, meet. Brooks didn't want a reward for his good deed. He had enough reward dimply doing the deed. He is the kind of person kids should be looking up to. Day W., Kansas, USA

Aug 31, 2007

>> I like this a lot. It is a simple thing that caused huge results. We need to praise more unsung heroes. Ryan S., Gutemala, California USA

>> I know Brooks. He is the most giving guy. He'd give more than his bone marrow if you asked him for it. What a great honor to him. I love to see good people having good things happen to them. There are far too many negative stories out there. You wonder if there is any good in the world. What a great story. I love seeing your billboards when I travel all over the country. They are inspiring. And these people are real I can attest to that. Jessica J., Oregon, USA

Aug 12, 2007

>> Kudos to Brooks for deciding to do this and save a life. I hope he was able to be in contact or know if the man did well with transplant, if not he knows he did his best. Teresa I., Utah

Jul 28, 2007

>> I work with hundreds of youth and I often feel like so much needs to be done to help so many in need. What a wonderful organization For Better Life is as hope an inspiration are so necessary for change. Chris I., Minnesota

Jul 26, 2007

>> I had two kidneys. A friend needed one. Why not share? I can easily live with one. Susan H., Napa, Ca. USA

Jun 3, 2007

>> Hey, I'm 11 years old and I like helping others who need more help than me. I always try my best because if you try harder you will succeed. *So all the best* Sneha M, United kingdom

May 25, 2007

>> you guys are amazing!

May 2, 2007

>> It's no sacrifice, it is a pleasure to be able to help someone. I am an organ donor and pride myself in keeping good enough to help some more needy than me. Steven M, Australia

ADD YOUR OWN COMMENT

In High School, Brooks Dame had a friend named Jessica who was diagnosed with Lupus. Thanks to generous donors, Jessica's life was spared. That experience really stuck with Brooks. He said, "I had grown up with Jessica and it really got me thinking. There are a lot of people in this world that need a hand or help in one form or another. If I was sick and someone could donate bone marrow to help save my life, I'd really appreciate that. I've just been so blessed with small little miracles throughout my life that I thought maybe I could help someone out with a small little miracle of their own." A few years later, Brooks decided to get over his fear of needles and sign up for the bone marrow registry.

A year went by before Brooks received the fateful phone call informing him they had found a match for his bone marrow. The man in need was in his 30's, had a wife and a few small children, and was desperately fighting a battle with Leukemia. Brooks said, "I was nervous, but I thought a lot about that man. This was his last chance at surviving, which really helped me make the decision to donate."

After a series of tests (and more needles), Brooks flew to a hospital in Denver for the bone marrow donation. He said, "The procedure is dangerous and very painful, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I had a rather speedy recovery and the more I thought about that man and his family, the more I hoped that my small sacrifice, in some way, made a difference."