Alpha Phi Alpha and Theta Nu Xi will be holding their registry drive on Feb. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Black Cultural Center in Squires.
The test is free to students and minorities, and $25 for all other interested parties.
Leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases can be greatly alleviated and sometimes cured with the help of a bone marrow transplant. However, the chance of finding a donor match can be very difficult, especially for minority patients.
"There is a lack of suppliers from minority groups, so the more people sign up, the more chances of getting a match for a transplant," said Ananeya Abebe, an Alpha Phi Alpha brother and a junior finance major.
According to the National Bone Marrow Registry Web site, the registration process consists of providing contact information, answering general health questions, signing an agreement to join the registry and giving a swab of cheek cells for tissue type testing. Once on the registry, a potential donor's information is kept in a database and tested for matches up until they reach age 60 or become medically unfit to donate. Should a match arise, the donor is contacted and the process of marrow donation is started.
"Donating bone marrow is simple and relatively painless. You are put to sleep for the procedure, and the only side effects people usually get are from the anesthesia and a little soreness," said Owen Maroney, president of Theta Nu Xi and senior HNFE major. "And all expenses are paid."
Those who do not want to donate, or those are medically unable to do so, are encouraged to help spread the word and recruit friends to join.
"We plan on continuing the drive every year to encourage people to sign up and increase awareness," said Duane Rollins, president of Alpha Phi Alpha and senior mechanical engineering major. "It's something small you can do for someone in need. Come out and help support in any way you can."
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