E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Alice Pyne
Alice Pyne, a 15-year-old with terminal cancer, recently made a simple blog on which she wanted to document how precious the time she has with her family and friends is. She called it "Alice's Bucket List" and included notes on the things she hoped she could do before her illness got the better of her.
The British girl's first blog post was on June 6, 2011. Three days later, the entire Internet is cheering her on, donating to the causes she supports and helping her check off as many of her bucket list items as possible.
Alice Pyne
It's difficult to track down exactly how Alice's list went viral, but we do know that John Woodcock, a member of the British Parliament, raised awareness of her plight during a meeting with the Prime Minister on Wednesday. We also know that musician Katy Perry and many other celebrities posted about Alice on Twitter over course of the last few days.
Alice Pyne
Right now, the hashtag #alicebucketlist is climbing Twitter's worldwide trending topics chart. As it does, one of Alice's top bucket list items gets just a little bit closer to earning a checkmark — the one that states that she wants everyone to sign up to be a bone marrow donor.
You see, Alice explains that she didn't create her blog in hopes of profiting from it — she simply made it with her family and friends in mind — but that doesn't mean that she isn't excited about the attention and encouraging people to support a cause that is dear to her heart:
So, I was never begging and I don't need any money but I do love to get your messages and I hope you'll follow my blog and keep leaving me a message. I will take a camera with me wherever I go and I'll post photos of everything I do. In return, you can keep asking everyone you bump into to join the bone marrow donation schemes in your country.
While it's doubtful that every single person out there will offer to become a bone marrow donor, it does seem that a lot of people are inspired by Alice's story and doing their best to contribute to that particular bucket list item.
Unfortunately that might not be the only wish on the list which likely won't be entirely fulfilled. Out of the 17 items Alice lists, there are several — such as traveling to Kenya or becoming a dolphin trainer — which she notes she can't do due to the progression of her illness.
Based on Alice's blog posts though, she's not letting such thoughts even enter her mind or get her down. Instead the teen is savoring every beautiful moment she can and challenging the rest of us to consider something we often try to avoid thinking about:
If today was your last day on this earth, how would you spend it?
Note: If you'd like to read more about Alice, you can take a look at her blog. If you'd like to show your support for her goals and causes, then you can share links to her story via social media — use of the #alicebucketlist hashtag is encouraged. If you want to go a step further and become a bone marrow donor, then you can consult Be The Match (part of the National Marrow Donor Program) or DMKS (which also lists its donors on the Be The Match Registry) for more information.
Related stories:
- UN report: Internet access is a basic human right
- Missing boys found after Facebook post
- Boy sells kidney for iPad 2
Rosa Golijan writes about tech here and there. She's obsessed with Twitter and loves to be liked on Facebook.
Leave a Comment:
I agree with this young lady and encourage everybody to become a bone marrow donor. Every body in this world is related to two people. There are matches out there for all of us, but some people will never know until they sign up. The life you help save could be a stranger or a close family member. Please sign up.
not everyone can be a donor and as she said make? I cannot be a donor not even to my own brother that has cancer and needs one. You cannot make people do it and certainly not everyone can. It bothers me to hear people talk like this because i cannot yet would love to. It bothers people like me that we cannot. Wish it would be rephrased to everyone that is able to. She is 15 and really should be aware that not everyone can do everything. Guess she wont be able to check that one off as wrote. I am not that old but I am diabetic and have thyroid disease.
I'd love to be a donor... so that I could help someone even in death. Unfortunately, with the news reports rolling in, my bod parts would probably be given to some criminal in a prison. Those folks have better health coverage, and jump to the top of the list when they get sick. So no, until they fix that system, I think I'll just waste my body parts by using them myself.
I wonder where You got that info. I heard prisoners GIVE OR SALE organs, but certainly at bottom of list.
You go Alice:)
Having diabetes and thyroid issues does not preclude one from donating bone marrow to another as long as they are compatible.
the girl is only 15 yrs old n she wrote her list in her own words. it's just her own personal thoughts n feelings on the issue. her list is not going to cause some law to go into effect that forces every single person to become a bone marrow donor.
I too have registered to be a donor. It would be such an honor to save anothers life if I match. I did it before this brave girl suggested it, but I think she would have motivated me otherwise.
Stay strong Alice. :) You already have accomplished more than 90% of people ever will.
DITTO, ANGRY BUSINESSMAN! HATS OFF TO YOU FOR POSITIVE COURAGE AND "GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN."
"STAY STRONG ALICE. :) YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MORE THAN 90% OF PEOPLE EVER WILL."
LIVE YOUR LIFE ALICE AS I KNOW YOU ARE!
GOD BLESS YOU, ALICE
I like her story and I'm not trying to bash her at all, but I wish people would be more informed about dolphins and sharks in captivity (she said she wants to swim with sharks and become a dolphin trainer). I don't go to anything that involves people profiting on dolphins, sharks, etc after watching the movie "The Cove".
I know personally a young man who was saved by the unselfish act of a bone marrow donor. I, too, am listed on the National Bone Marrow Register and it would be a pleasure and an honor for me to be called as a match for someone. Alice, I hope that most of your bucket list dreams come true. I especially hope that more people will take heed of your message and become bone marrow donors and possibly make a difference in the life of another. God bless you, Alice.
Rosa, your article has a typo re: the date of the blog. It should be June 6, 2011 not 2010.
So, shut up!
Mr. Maturity.
In your story you say she started her blog on June 6 2010... Your date is wrong. June 6 2011.
Godspeed, Alice. I'll be talking to my doctor this week about becoming a marrow donor. I wish you had more time.
Alice all the best to you and yours.. have been on the donor for 20plus yrs still no match. hope your story gets more ppl involved
Wow, what a wonderful young lady. It's hard not getting choked up when reading this. There are too many beautiful people like Alice that gets sick and has a short time here. I can't imagine there's one person on this planet that doesn't think you're special and loves you without having met you.
www.bahbad.org to sign up on the marrow registry with Be the Match in the US. There is usually a $100 fee to join the registry, however, BAHBAD (bah bad to the bone) will cover the fee for you. They do ask for some type of donation, but it's not necessary. I work bone marrow registry drives about every other weekend with BAHBAD and now several people who have had life saving bone marrow transplants. It's truly a gift of life to someone if you are a match.
I registered in Manhattan at a drive some organization was having. As soon as I checked in they were hitting me up for money. It was very annoying and quite honestly, left a bad taste in my throat about the entire affair.
I've been on the national bone marrow donor list for at least 10 years now and have never been asked for money. I only get my annual letter asking if any of my information has changed or not. ???
OMG, Why would they charge YOU for GIVING A PIECE OF YOUR BODY? Will some ome PLEASE explain. Or to register? So If poor you can't help anyone?
There is a charge up front for antibody testing to see who you would match with because you can't donate to everyone. Once they do the testing, there are no charges to be on the registry.
honestly that's unfortunate to hear. i'm a single mom of three kids n a full time student, so my income is very limited right now. i doubt testing is cheap but i'm not in a situation to spend lots of money n i'm sure i'm not the only one
Linda, unfortunately the charge is for running the dna swab they take from you. It really is unfortunate that there is a charge for this, but the labs charge all the marrow registries and it's impossible for the marrow registries to cover the cost for everyone to join. That's why I encourage everyone to go to www.bahbad.org to register. They cover the cost for you and do not press you for money if you don't have it. Through BAHBAD I have put literally 100's of people on the marrow registry.
This girl is so inspriing! Project Marrow is constantly working to get people on the registry. You can be the cure for someone else. All it takes is a cheek swab to get on the registry. www.projectmarrow.org
#!/pages/Project-Marrow/121717974524278
I've been registered as a donor for about 10 years now. I was contacted once to let me know I was a good match for someone but there was a few others who were also close matches. I never got a call back saying they absolutely needed me but I was in awe of the fact that I was possibly going to help save someone's life.
Alice I'm so sorry that this terrible disease came into your life but I hope that you have as many happy, beautiful days as you can. You are making a wonderful impression on so many people and that's a great thing.
You inspired me to become a donor. Way down here in San Diego, California. Thank you.
Lovely Alice - you are an inspiration to everyone around the world ! How I do wish I could acturally meet you and give you a hug. At 2 my son Gardner was diagnosed with CML, common in men over 60, rare in children, and no cure. We tried to do a donor match, but back 1981 there was not much of a chance. His spirit and courage kept us all going, and I've asked him to be your Gaurdian Angel. He went to Heaven at 3, after a en month courageous battle, but never seemed to feel sorry for himself, just the other sick children and our family. One day he commented "I'm OK Mom - that guy is taking care of me!" I asked what guy, and he responded - "The 'ORD!"
Know that you are in our prayers, and Gardner is now helping you everyday. And, "The 'ORD is going to take care of you also!" much love, many hugs and kisses and prayers - Gardner's Mom - Anne
Murraygirl1945 your post got me as teary-eyed as the story, maybe even moreso! I signed up as a bone marrow donor after doing a Team in Training walk benefiting LLS (Leukemia & Lymphomia Society). Cancer has struck many loved ones including my stepmom and my Dad, both of whom I lost to cancer. It amazes me the courage that so many good people show, and Alice, I hope you are blessed with many more days on this earth. I know you are an inspiration to many people. Good luck with fulfilling your bucket list to the best of your ability. I wish you peace.
sorry 4 your loss murraygirl, i am sure your son is watching over many now just as the 'ord watched over n took care of him
Dearest Alice,
I had worked in Hematology/Oncology as a lab tech and now work in research. I have been a Marrow donor for years for this very reason.
God Bless you in whatever time you have left. Your maturity and inner beauty goes without saying.
Dearest Alice,
I had worked in Hematology/Oncology as a lab tech and now work in research. I have been a Marrow donor for years for this very reason.
God Bless you in whatever time you have left. Your maturity and inner beauty goes without saying.
Wow, what an exraordinary young lady!!!
Try to get as much on that "Bucket List" done as you can, and don't worry too much about getting back to each one of us as you mentioned on your blog, your time is too precious!
The World is cheering you on, our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God Bless you and your family!
Alice, you are an inspiration and a brave young lady. I never met anyone who have come to terms with their illness and faced with with such bravery like you. I hope God continues to bless you and your family and I wish there was a cure so that you could live a little longer.
I became a non-directed kidney donor in 2003, to a young man I'd never met. I've been well and healthy since and not for one minute have I ever regreted that decision. At my age I'm past being able to be a bone marrow donor (I think the maximum age is 60 because of the aging of cells). But, had I to do it all over again, I would. I really encourage everyone I talk to, to consider donating blood, bone marrow, something....lives are in the balance out there and many will die before they can receive that help. It was a young man in my community who died before he could receive my kidney...I asked to remain on the donor list thinking there was someone out there who needed it. I was much more the benficiary of being able to do this for another.
Never give up Alice !!! Miracles can happen and wilth all of the people becoming aware of your situation, a greater chance for you beating this cancer is possible through everyone's prayers for you to get well. Never lose your faith in the power of prayers and don't give up on thinking that a match may never be found. I will pray for you and send you my positivity. God works in mysterious ways Alice, you are a very wise beyond your years teenager with hopes and dreams, hold onto them. God Bless You from USA , New Hampshire.
Keep the faith,young lady.I am praying,that, the Good Lord ,will put his healing touch on you-right now. Everyone,on the internet,could be doing the same.God
works in mysteriest ways.May God bless you and your family.
Wow! I am sorry to hear of this illness i hope you can do everything that is possible for you to do. I lost many family members to cancer i wish i could be like the bewitched on TV and twinkle my noise and make it go a way to never have any one else getting cancer. Good luck on your list and enjoy all your days left on earth.
I will say many prayers for you and your family
God bless to you
Keep the faith,young lady.I ampraying,that,theGood Lord,will put his healing touch on you -right now.Everyone,on the internet,could be doing the same.God blessyou and your family.
Dear Alice,
I hope you can do all your things on your list! I lost my husband this March to ALL, he had a 10/10 stem cell match but had a relapse anyway. I just wanted to add to everyone that a bone marrow doner is not all that bad. They take blood and it is not painful like it used to be. So, everyone should do it...it is a real privilage to save someones life. Always have hope for a cure! God Bless.
prayer changes things...Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Keep praying and believing, God can do all things
He sure can do all things... like giving this courageous child cancer. thanks a lot god.
To swim with Sharks..... Sounds like this young lady has a nice understanding of the wonders and beauty the Earth holds. I hope she get's the opportunity. I really really do.
Cajun Ice: AND you need to realize that she's only 15 years old, so "making" somebody become a bone marrow donor is only a hypothetical theory. I can assure you that she will not "make" anyone do anything. Don't take words so literally.