University of New England

UNE hosts bone marrow donor drive and registration in Portland on Dec. 6th

PORTLAND, ME -  University of New England’s physician assistant class of 2009 is sponsoring a bone marrow donor drive and registration on Dec. 6, 2007, from 3:00  to 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Pavilion on the University's Westbrook College Campus, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland.

The event is open to the University community and the general public.
 
The event is in direct response to help Physician Assistant Nicole Nelson, a 34 year-old mother who is in critical need of a bone marrow transplant to survive her condition, severe aplastic anemia. Although Nelson did not attend UNE, the physician assistant community is strong, connected and supportive. UNE’s physician assistant class of 2009 has chosen to honor her work and life by organizing this drive with hope that Nelson will receive the lifesaving treatment.
 
Since tissue type is inherited, Nelson’s donor will most likely be of similar French, Native American Indian and Northern European backgrounds; however, donors from all backgrounds are needed. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, willing to donate to any patient and meet the health guidelines, a simple mouth swab will provide the tissue typing needed for donor identification.
 
There is no charge for donor testing. The cost will be covered by the RI Blood Center (Michael's Fund), or by insurance (please bring an insurance card to the registration).
 
For more information contact:  Nicole Rubeira, Recruiter, National Marrow Donor Program, Rhode Island Blood Center, Providence, RI 02908; Phone: 401-248-5720 or 1-800-marrow2; E-mail: nrubeira@ribc.org

(Press release posted Nov. 20, 2007)