Ellsworth Airmen register to donate marrow

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group hosted a Department of Defense Bone Marrow Donor Program registration drive, Oct. 15 through 19, in an effort to find life-saving marrow matches for those with fatal diseases.

The week long drive consisted of a walk-in registration day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 15, in the base Exchange lobby and outreach drives at various squadrons around the installation.

Maj. Rachelle Hartze, 28th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medicine flight commander, said the purpose of the registration drive was to help people with leukemia, aplastic anemia or other fatal blood diseases find matching donors for life saving marrow transplants.

"There are currently more than 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. who are suffering from diseases who may benefit from a marrow transplant," said Hartze. "Unfortunately, patients only find a match in a family member 25 percent of the time. That is why registering on a national database is so important."

Second Lt. Kristen Miranda, 28th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section chief, and one of the many Ellsworth Airmen who registered to donate bone marrow Oct. 15, said the decision to register was personal.

"My grandfather was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia about three years ago," Miranda said. "He's had two bone marrow biopsies to date and is currently being treated with chemotherapy. There is a distinct possibility that he may need a transplant in the future, and if that time comes I am ready - given that I'm a match."

Miranda added that she was happy to see all of the Airmen who took time out of their busy schedule to show their support.

"It's amazing," said Miranda. "It shows how selfless our Air Force really is. I am so honored to be represented by Airmen who would give their marrow to save another's life."

In addition to the registration drive, Hartze said Airmen and their families can do a walk-in registration during normal business hours in the 28th MDG Laboratory.

"Registration is limited to Airmen, their families and DoD civilian employees," noted Hartze. "Potential donors should be 18 to 60 years in age and in good general health. The only absolute disqualifying conditions for registering are a personal history of cancer or human immunodeficiency virus. Once someone is registered, they will be contacted for additional blood testing if they are matched as a potential donor."

Hartze added that registering to donate marrow is as easy as completing a registration form, signing a consent form and having four oral swabs collected.

For more information, or to register to be a marrow donor, call the 28th MDG Laboratory at (605) 385-3459.