Join The Bone Marrow Registry In West Michigan This November

The bone marrow registry is very important. A bone marrow match gives people an opportunity at life.

When more people join the bone marrow registry, more lives are saved.

There are many opportunities to join the bone marrow registry in West Michigan.

This November is full of chances to join the bone marrow registry in West Michigan.

Joining the registry is simple. A quick, self-administered oral swab is all it takes.

• West Catholic High School is holding a bone marrow registry drive on Saturday, November 9 from 10:00am - Noon. The drive will be in the fitness center in the gym and is inspired by Bobbie Croel, a 2008 graduate who has Acute Myeloid Leukemia and needs to find a match. Learn more.
• "Take a Bite Out of Cancer" brings dentists across Michigan together to add to the bone marrow registry during November. Last year, about 200 dentist offices gathered 2,500 swabs and 5 matches were found. Participating offices include: Dr. Derek Draft in Grandville, Dr. David Fischer in Rockford, Dr. Deb Peters in Grand Rapids, and Ted Eggleston in Cascade. Learn more.
• Michigan Blood is part of the National Donor Program's "Be The Match Registry". Michigan Blood helps organize bone marrow drives throughout the year. Learn more about the entire donation process.

"You're walking around and you could be the potential match for somebody," Mba says. "It's to help the human race, and we're all here together. We can get together and give back."

"I put on a good show face even when I'm feeling bad and everything … but if I don't get a bone marrow transplant, I will die. And that's just the truth."

Read the full story here and please join the registry.

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