Bone marrow registry set for May 15
Published 4:45 pm Monday, May 7, 2012
Cassopolis Dental is urging community members to help save a life by registering to donate bone marrow from noon to 2 p.m. May 15 at the Cassopolis Dental office, 408 E. State St., Cassopolis.
The Michigan Dental Association partnered with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to bring awareness to how important bone marrow donations are. By a simple swab of a patient’s inner cheek, matches for possible bone marrow transfusions will go into an international registry and help save the lives of people suffering from different types of blood cancers. Former Detroit Red Wing Shawn Burr has also joined the campaign, currently awaiting his own bone marrow match. The campaign is being conducted statewide and Cassopolis Dental’s Dr. John Hayman said he wanted to help.
“Dr. Hayman is a member of the Michigan Dental Society and proud fan of the Detroit Red Wings,” Kelly Collins, the office’s financial and treatment coordinator, said. “He is excited to be a part of this mission.”
While the drive is scheduled for two hours next Tuesday, Cassopolis Dental is conducting the campaign for the entire month of May. According to Collins, this will be the first bone marrow drive the office has conducted.
“We’re urging patients who may not be able to attend the event next Tuesday to come in during business hours and donate,” Collins said.
There is no cost to those who register. Hayman vowed to donate $5 for each person who registers.
“Along with the donations, all of the money will go directly to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” Collins said.
Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 55, in good health and weigh more than 110 pounds. Those who donate must be committed to the cause since they may be called upon to donate their bone marrow once a match is needed. For more information about registry or the drive, contact Cassopolis Dental at (269) 445-8636.