Did you know there are 10.5 million people needing bone marrow transplants and that 70 percent of those individuals do not have a matching donor in their family? Want to help save a life? Read more at http://join.bethematch.org/Indiana.
In an effort to recruit more Hoosiers to sign up to join the bone marrow registry through the Indiana Blood Center, Be The Match will be hosting a bone marrow drive at the Noblesville vs. Hamilton Southeastern football game Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.at Noblesville Varsity High School.
Although there are 10.5 million people needing bone marrow on the Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry, thousands are still looking for their lifesaving match each day. The need for more people to join the registry is greater than ever with 70 percent of patients in need of a transplant not having a matching donor in their family.
This bone marrow drive is being held in memory of Erin Gamble, who lost her battle to cancer in March. Erin was the mother of two boys, Tyler and Garrison, and the wife of Troy Gamble. The Gamble family hosted several bone marrow drives throughout last fall in Erin’s honor, with the hope of finding a bone marrow donor for Erin. The largest bone marrow drive was held at the Noblesville vs. Zionsville football game where 209 Hoosiers registered with the hope that one would be found as a match for Erin or someone else in need.
A match was eventually found for Erin in late November 2012, but Erin unfortunately passed away on March 3. However, because of the lifesaving efforts of those 209 Hoosiers and the Gamble family, in late May, a match was found for someone else in need. Mitchell Hensley became our youngest donor to date in the state, donating stem cells just a few weeks before his graduation from Noblesville High School. Mitchell had previously been on the football team but opted not to play his senior year. Had he been on the team, Mitchell would not have had the opportunity to sign up and a life would not have been saved.
Mitchell will be coming back from college to attend the Noblesville football game on Oct. 4 and will be honored before the game by the Gamble family.
In addition, the cheerleaders from Noblesville West and Noblesville East Middle Schools are coordinating several events to raise awareness and funds for Be The Match, including selling wristbands, making ribbons, and organizing a “Be Casual Be The Match” day at their school.
Oct. 4 is also Senior Night and the Pink Game for Noblesville High School.
Those individuals 18-44 years of age wishing to join the registry can come to the game and complete a simple form and do a cheek swab. You can also join online at http://join.bethematch.org/Indiana or call Angela Touseull, Bone Marrow Recruiter at the Indiana Blood Center.