Bone Marrow Registration Clinic at Husson Next Week

A donation of bone marrow could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering from blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. But the challenge is finding a compatible donor. So the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity at Husson University is holding a registration clinic next week.

When someone needs a bone marrow transplant, doctors will refer to the National Bone Marrow Registry to try and find a compatible match. It's not easy. If you're put on the list, chances are you'll never be called upon to donate. That's how rare it is to find a perfect match. And if someone is called upon as a possible donor, they always have the right to refuse. So the more names and informaton on that list, the better the chances that someone with a life-threatening disease can get the transplant they need.

Phi Delta Chi's Stefan Jurjevics says taking part is as easy as filling out some paperwork and swabbing your cheek.

"And the thing is, you yourself will do the swabbing of your own mouth. There will be a representative there to show you how to do it. But you will be the one who actually does it."

Many people don't get put on the list because they've heard how painful donating can be. But Phi Delta Chi's Leonard Soto says it's much easier than most people think.

"Actually 80% of the donations now, because technology has grown so much, is actually done by machine where they only take your blood. Only about 20% of procedures are semi-invasive where they actually take bone marrow from you."

The Bone Marrow Registration Clinic will be held Monday, March 3rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Husson University Campus Center, 1 College Circle, on the campus in Bangor. If you plan to take part, bring your driver's license. But showing up doesn't mean you have to get the cheek swab. It's also a great opportunity to get more information about becoming a donor!