Emporia State University and an international non-profit agency have teamed up to take on the fight against blood cancer.
A special two-day bone marrow swab drive event kicked off Thursday morning inside ESU’s memorial union. The drive is a partnership between Emporia State University’s Nursing Department and DKMS an international non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness on blood cancer and blood disorders.
The drive allowed individuals an opportunity to swab their cheeks for a DNA sample to be placed into DKMS’ national bone marrow donor database. This allows individuals an opportunity to potentially save the life of a patient whose only hope is a bone marrow transplant.
One individual who was in attendance for the drive knows the importance of having a compatible donor. 1960 Olympic gold medal sprinter Earl Young has been a partner with DKMS since receiving a transplant seven years ago after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2011.
He uses his personal experience to illustrate just how important registering potential donors is for those who need them.
He adds out of all patients needing transplants only four out of every 10 are able to find a match. ESU President Allison Garrett says the drive is a quick and easy way for individuals to potentially save a life.
When it comes to finding a match, it’s safe to say most individuals would immediately think an immediate family member would be the ideal choice. However, DKMS Donor Recruitment Coordinator Carol Goplin explains only a small portion of patients, roughly 30 percent, are able to find a match in their immediate family.
If you were unable to attend Thursday’s clinic, there is still time for you to register. The second day of the clinic is taking place Friday from 11 am to 3:30 pm in the Memorial Union.
If you cannot attend ESU’s clinic you can go online to DKMSgetinvolved.org where you will find information on how to register, information on blood cancer and how you can donate or contribute to DKMS and the fight against blood cancer.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}ESU Bone Marrow Swab Drive{/gallery}
