University News

Be the Match on Campus Hosts Bone Marrow Donor Registry Drive Nov. 7

October 30, 2014

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MACOMB, IL -- Do you have what it takes to be the cure?

It just takes a few minutes, but the possibilities may last your lifetime. Take a moment of your day and stop by Western Illinois University's Be the Match on Campus chapter's bone marrow donor registry drive Friday, Nov. 7 in the University Union Concourse.

The drive will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the concourse. To become a part of the national bone marrow registry, an individual must register and then complete a simple test in which the inside of the mouth is swabbed and the DNA sample is entered into a registry. The drive is open to all campus and surrounding community members.

Be The Match Registry/Be the Match on Campus is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the marrow transplant they need, when they need it. It is the largest and most diverse donor registry in the world. Western's student chapter started in Fall 2013.

According to Grant Severs, president of WIU's Be the Match chapter, a patient's likelihood of finding a matching donor on the Be The Match Registry is estimated to range from 66-93 percent.

"Because of donors, more patients will be able to receive a life-saving transplant. It only takes a minute to sign up and to have a swab completed," Severs said. "Since our first drive one year ago, we've signed up more than 500 individuals. And we've actually had five of those who registered at one of our drives called by the national registry for additional testing."

While the WIU drives target those donors who were between the ages 18-44, ages 45+ can still register for a $100 fee. According to bethematch.org, this is based on medical research that shows younger donors are best for patients and provide the greatest chance for transplant success.

In addition to registering as a bone marrow donor, individuals can text MATCH WIU to 50555 to make a $10 donation for WIU's Be The Match on Campus to help fund the bone marrow testing.* Contributions may also be made at bethematchoncampus.org/wiu.

Individuals interested in joining WIU's chapter or volunteering should contact Severs at GS-Severs@wiu.edu or Ashley Whiteside at A-Whiteside@wiu.edu.

* Charges will appear on the user's wireless bill or will be deducted from the prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full terms and privacy: www.mGive.org/T and https://mgive.org/privacy.aspx



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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