The 'marrow of the matter' Published Jan. 2, 2008 By Capt. Chantal Cousineau 305th Aeromedical Squadron MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- There is a common expression in the English language that describes "getting to the heart of the matter." As a physician I think we should change that expression to "getting to the marrow of the matter." Why? Because marrow represents the most fundamental part of our existence. Within our bones, buried inside of the marrow, rest our stem cells. Stem cells are your body's basic building block, they can transform into any cell within the body. They are literally the source of our lifeblood. But what happens when our marrow fails? What happens when the factory shuts down, is invaded by a virus, or transforms into cancer? The answer is not easy. For those unfortunate few whose marrow cannot support them, new marrow is needed. The new marrow must be closely matched to the original marrow. If it not closely matched the body may reject the new marrow, or worse, the marrow may reject and attack the new body. For this reason, we conduct bone marrow drives. With a simple swab of your cheek, you can have your cells tested to see whether or not you are closely matched to someone who desperately needs your help. The Department of Defense maintains its own bone marrow registry, and there will be a drive on the 11th of January at the consolidated club from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We ask for your support. Stop by and complete a quick form and cheek swab. Your bone marrow could save someone's life. It's about helping a soldier defeat a cancerous enemy within. It's about being the ultimate wingman. And that is the marrow of the matter.