UT Martin is partnering with Be The Match Registry and hosting a donor drive to help raise awareness and funds for over 28 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year.
The registration drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 11-14, outside the University Center on campus.
The Be The Match Registry is the largest and most diverse donor registry in the world and is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). This nonprofit organization has a goal of creating an opportunity for all patients in need to receive a life-saving marrow transplant.
Faculty, staff, and students ages 18 to 40 are encouraged to attend this event. There will be information available to learn more about the organization and the registration process to become a donor.
Ethnic background plays a role in finding a matching donor. If you have diverse ancestry, patients especially need you because they are most likely to match someone who shares their heritage.
“Our goals are to educate UTM students about what bone marrow donation is and how it works. We also want to encourage willing participants to join the bone marrow registry and see if they are a match for a patient in need,”said Dr. Kelle Alden, UTM Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center.
The event is being held in hopes to raise awareness on the cause as well as an opportunity to register possible donors. Those who choose to donate make it possible for patients with life-threatening blood cancers, blood disorders, and other diseases able to receive a life-saving transplant.
For more information about donating, go to my.bethematch.org or contact Dr. Kelle Alden by email @kalden@utm.edu.
