Recruitment drive will be held February 12 to help diversify the registry and save lives.
Miami, FL (1888PressRelease) February 06, 2019 - Seventy percent of blood cancer patients requiring a marrow transplant will need to search for an unrelated matching donor in the worldwide bone marrow registry. However, many demographic groups have low representation in the registry, leaving some with little possibility of a lifesaving transplant. The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) and Gift of Life Marrow Registry are partnering up in February to recruit donors to help patients in need.
MDPD will host a drive on behalf of Gift of Life on February 12, 2019, at MDPD Headquarters, 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will also raise awareness of the importance to diversify the registry.
Many types of leukemia, lymphoma and other genetic diseases can be treated or cured through bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants. The best chance of finding a match is between two people with a shared genetic heritage.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drive. If you are between the ages of 18 and 45 and in general good health, you are eligible to be screened and join the worldwide registry for patients in need. A simple swab from the inside of your cheek is all it takes to determine if you are a match. All information is kept confidential.
For more information about Gift of Life and saving lives through bone marrow and blood stem cell donation, please visit www.giftoflife.org or call 1-800-9MARROW.
Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. The organization, established in 1991, is dedicated to saving lives and facilitating bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related diseases. To learn more about Gift of Life Marrow Registry, visit www.giftoflife.org.