Match Made in Marrow

The story begins with Jennell Jenney signing up to be a bone marrow donor without thinking much of it, which ultimately led to a life-saving match for Jim Munroe. Jim desperately needed a miracle, a one-in-eight-million connection that would save him, and Jennell proved to be the match made in marrow. When Jennell and Jim met in his suburban Dallas backyard, they realized they had contradictory ideas about where the magic of their connection came from. This encounter led to an exploration of how to walk through the world in a way that lets you be deeply different, but totally together. The piece was reported by Latif Nasser and produced by Annie McEwen, with help from several others. Special thanks were given to various individuals and organizations, including Dr. Matthew J. Matasar and the CIBMTR. The episode encourages listeners to join the Be The Match bone marrow registry, which can be done through a provided link. Radiolab is a show that is supported by listeners and offers a newsletter with short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. The show is also supported by several foundations, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The episode is an allegory for how people can come together despite their differences, and it highlights the importance of bone marrow donation. Overall, the story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of human connection and the power of kindness.