University of Massachusetts Amherst: UMass Amherst Marieb College of Nursing Teams Up with Gift of Life Marrow Registry to Host Donor Drive

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is partnering with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry to add new volunteer donors to the registry.

During the drive, tables will be set up outside the UMass Amherst Student Union Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With a simple cheek swab, anyone 18 to 35 years old and in general good health can be tested to learn if they are a lifesaving match for someone battling to survive leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases. There is no cost to donate blood stem cells or marrow to a patient.

The swabs are tested for tissue type, and if a donor matches a patient in need now or in the future, they will be invited to donate and help save the patient’s life.

“We are excited to be working with several student organizations on campus including Club Swimming, UMass EMS, the Student Nurses Association, Amherst Student Force, and many more,” said senior nursing student John Wilson. “Our goal is to raise awareness, and swab as many people as possible.”

Since 90% of stem cell and marrow transplants to cure blood cancer are requested from 18- to 35-year-olds, this is an excellent opportunity for college students to pay it forward and give back to the community.

“If you’re healthy and of the right age, please consider joining the registry to help save one of thousands of patients currently battling blood cancer and searching for their lifesaving donors,” said Marti Freund, Gift of Life’s director of organizational advancement.

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 by facilitating blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related diseases.