I am very sure nobody in the world would want to be struck with a rare disorder such as mine. It is certainly unfortunate, but I am still able to survive through daily medications and frequent blood transfusions. When my parents proposed to attempt vitro fertilization with new screening techniques to produce another baby – my sibling – so that he or she is able to donate blood-making cells to me, I am very glad that I can finally be saved.

The cost of daily medications and frequent blood transfusions will definitely serve as a financial burden to my parents in the long run. With a bone marrow donation from my new sibling, the situation will certainly be better. I am in no place to worry about future insecurities and unexpected defects from the new technology. Whether successful or not, I really appreciate the effort and will be indeed indebted for life to my brother or sister for granting me a life. No words or actions can express my gratitude.

However, I do hope that my parents will not make the decision themselves, but will respect my future sibling’s decision whether he or she is willing do donate the bone marrow. Even though my parents created another life with hopes of saving my life, I believe the decision still lies with my sibling. Without his or her consent, I will be most unwilling to accept the donation as the bone marrow belongs to him or her, not anyone else. He or she has the very right to agree or object.

Even though this issue has raised many controversies, I feel that the act of creating a life should not solely just to fulfill the purpose of saving another life. I am very sure my parents will love my sibling as much as they love me. He or she is not something that is created just to save my life – He or she is no different from me; we have the same parents and we are a family, and my sibling is a God sent angel that brought me hope.

- Charlie Whitaker