CLEARFIELD – Students in the Lock Haven University Clearfield campus’ physician assistant program have organized a “Be the Match” marrow donor campaign.
The inspiration is the students’ friend and classmate, Kaitlin, who has a disease called aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a disease in which the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells to fully supply the body.
At some point in Kaitlin’s life, and in the many lives of others with the disease, they may need a bone marrow transplant. And, with help, the students can make sure these people get the transplant they need.
The campaign will culminate with a bone marrow drive on Nov. 4. It will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Founder’s Hall of the Lock Haven Clearfield campus. The drive will provide an opportunity for interested persons between the ages of 18 and 44 years to join the “Be the Match” Registry and potentially help one of the thousands of patients who are currently searching for a life-saving cure.
“Be the Match” is a non-profit organization that connects patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant. People can be someone’s cure as a member of the “Be the Match” Registry®, financial contributor or volunteer. The growth of the registry gives increased hope to those thousands of patients who are looking for a match.
It costs about $100 to add each new person to the registry. The physician assistant program is asking you to consider making a donation toward the event, in the hope that they can grow the registry. Any amount of donation that can be made will be greatly appreciated.
Tax exempt checks can be made payable to the “Be the Match Foundation,” with “LHU Clearfield Physician Assistant Program” in the memo. Please mail checks to “LHU Clearfield Campus, Physician Assistant Program, 201 University Dr., Clearfield, PA 16830” or go to www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/LHUClearfield to make a donation.