IOWA CITY, IA (CBS2/FOX28) - They say the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. This guy has taken a big one. Jared Reichbaum begins to tell us his story: I just felt like Im meant to walk across America Hes going across America on foot. Just me, on the road me and my cart! We caught up with him as he rested on a rainy day in Iowa City to find out why. He explains, I have a friend named Joselyn Miller who had a very rare blood disease and her brother was her perfect match and saved her life, donated his bone marrow. I kinda came to learn through following her story that there are thousands of people out there who cant find their match, and unfortunately will pass away because, theres just not enough people on the registry. He says when he discovered a match for bone marrow is about 1 in every 540 people, the 28-year-old started his journey - armed with his story, his bone marrow match kits, and most importantly with a personality as big as his mission. Hes teaching people about this important need, but also learning as he goes. Ive met so many amazing people along the way! he tells us. Strangers who gave him a place stay, others touched his story Just the other day, a guy pulled up in the campgrounds, said hi, got my story and then left without saying goodbye but then 5 minutes later he came back and had gone shopping for me! Hes swabbed firefighters in Fort Wayne. Hes met big fans, who come in little packages, made a documentary along the wayA busy guy with a big dream, he says can easily be turned into a reality. Ive registered over 150 people so far.so if I register 600 people, the chances are that Ill find one match for somebody and if I go through an 8-month walk to save somebodys life, itll be worth it. Jareds already reach the journey of 1,000 miles 1 down, about 2,000 more to go. To help Jared as he continues on his journey, visit Walking Across Amarrowcas Facebook page: [ Ссылка ] To sign up to be on the National Bone Marrow Registry and get your own swab kit, visit bethematch.org
