Wheeler receives letter of life.

Roanoke Rapids native and NASCAR Champion engine builder 
Earl Wheeler recently received a letter he has waited on for 
17 years. Well he didn't really wait for it, but his time to help 
someone just got one step closer.

It was back on March 24, 1997 when Wheeler had joined to 
the National Marrow Donor program's “Be the Match Registry.” 
And days before his own father was to undergo surgery in 
Durham, Wheeler received his important live changing letter.

Seventeen years later and he (Wheeler) had been identified 
as a possible marrow match for a 17 year old female in need 
of a transplant.

“I am completely humbled and HONORED that the possibility 
of helping another by giving life has become a reality,” said 
Wheeler.

Wheeler's consent forms, medical history are all done, test 
and blood work are scheduled. Then at some point in the 
next 60 days the doctors will notify him if things are a go 
and if the procedure will be local or at a different location 
for surgery and transplant.

“My prayers are extended to this young lady with high hopes 
that I can provider her what she needs to sustain a long and 
healthy life. I can't remember getting anything in my mailbox 
that warmed my heart the way this has! POSSIBILITY is such 
an amazing thing,” Wheeler stated.

Stay tuned to rrspin for updates. Also Wheeler's Dad's surgery 
went well and the family are waiting for test results.

For more information on Marrow registry go to bethematch.org.