” Approximately six thousand people are in need of bone marrow every day. They suffer from diseases such as leukemia, sarcoma and lymphoma. In some cases, patients’ own bone marrow fails to produce blood cells and platelets correctly. A lucky few have a genetically matched family member who is willing to donate, but unfortunately, about 70 percent do not.”
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Approximately six thousand people are in need of bone marrow every day. They suffer from diseases such as leukemia, sarcoma and lymphoma. In some cases, patients’ own bone marrow fails to produce blood cells and platelets correctly. A lucky few have a genetically matched family member who is willing to donate, but unfortunately, about 70 percent do not. They must rely on the bone marrow of a kind stranger.
Dr. Andrew Thomas of the College of Business Administration requested that the Honors Business Group host a drive for the National Marrow Donor Registry. Students between the age of 18 and 60 who are interested in becoming donors are encouraged to visit the Honors Common Room in the Honors Complex on Thursday, March 5, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
There is likely one thing weighing on a person’s mind when they think about a bone marrow donation. Jenna Wolf of the Honors Business Group clears the air.
There are absolutely no needles involved (in the screening), Wolf stressed.
Students who visit the Honors Complex on Thursday will have their mouths swabbed in a quick and painless process. They will then be entered in the registry, which is a database of potential donors. Bone marrow donation will take place only when a registered person matches someone who is in need of bone marrow, and then only if the registered person gives permission to do so.
When the registered person agrees to donate, they can schedule an information session where any additional questions they may have will be answered. A physical exam will also be scheduled to ensure the donation will be safe for the donor and patient.
On the day of donation, the donor will arrive as an outpatient and receive anesthesia. General anesthesia, which causes the donor to be unconscious during the procedure, is used in about 75 percent of these procedures. The doctors will then make one to four incisions that are less than one-fourth inch long and insert a hollow needle into each of the incisions. Syringes are attached to the needles to draw out marrow. These incisions will not require stitches.
The donor will be watched closely until the anesthesia wears off. Most people go home the same day or next morning.
Marrow taken out of a body completely replaces itself within four to six weeks. The most common effects of the procedure are soreness in the lower back for a few days, fatigue, and stiffness when walking. Most people are fully recovered in a few days.
Those unsure about becoming donors are also encouraged to attend. They can ask questions and receive more information about the process.
Everyone is encouraged to attend, although the bone marrow of minority donors is particularly needed. It is just a swab of the mouth, so no advanced preparation is necessary. Simply stop in the Honors Common Room on March 5 and take the first step to saving a life. The Honors Complex is located on the corner of Buchtel Avenue and College Street.
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