Central Georgians Asked to Join National Bone Marrow Registry

Central Georgians Asked to Join National Bone Marrow Registry

By Joining Registry, Genetically Matched Donors Could Save Lives

MACON, GA (Wednesday, June 5, 2013) – The Children's Hospital at The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG), along with its community partners, invites central Georgians to save lives by joining the national bone marrow registry.

Patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell and other blood-related diseases may be saved through a bone marrow transplant, but they must receive marrow from genetically matched donors. MCCG asks the community to register on Friday, June 14 at MCCG's Ambulatory Surgery Center lobby, 1014 Forsyth Street in Macon. Those wishing to save a life may come between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., or 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

“Joining the registry is simple. Potential donors will learn about the two donation methods, sign a consent form, then give a cheek swab for DNA testing. Joining the registry takes less than an hour. The only requirement to join the registry is that you be between the ages of 18 and 44, in good health and willing to donate to any patient in need if you are a genetic match,” said Tommi Gill, Assistant Vice President of Women's Services and The Children's Hospital.

There is no cost to donate, and potential donors may park for free in MCCG's Yellow Deck. Refreshments will be served. Macon Mayor Robert Reichert will visit the drive at 10:00 a.m. to proclaim June 14 Marrow Donor Day in Macon.

The Children's Hospital at MCCG has partnered with the Cancer Life Center at MCCG, Jay's Hope Foundation, Community Healthworks, the Tubman African-American Museum, Mercer University, the College Hill Alliance and 13WMAZ to increase the number of potential bone marrow donors through this drive.