We are supporting a local bone marrow drive, sponsored by the Delete Blood Cancer organization - part of the world's largest bone marrow donor center.
Although it is uncertain at this time if Callen will need a marrow transplant, you can certainly make a difference and possibly save a life. Blood cancers are the second leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, and kill more children in the U.S. than any other disease.
Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on finding matching donors who can save their life. Patients need donors who are a close genetic match. Even with a registry of millions, 6 out of 10 patients NEVER receive the lifesaving transplant they need. Donors of all ethnicities are needed if we are going to change this.
In order to join the registry all you need to do is fill out an information/consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect cells for tissue typing. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 55, must meet the medical eligibility guidelines and be willing donate to any patient in need. As a DKMS donor, your tissue type, along with your ID# is stored anonymously on the Be The Match Registry® (operated by the NMDP). The whole process should take less than five minutes.
The drive we are participating in is on May 18th from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Second Branch Baptist Church:
Second Branch Baptist Church12217 Second Branch Road
Chesterfield, VA 23838
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We hope to see lots of Team Callen there!
