July is African American Marrow Awareness Month. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is encouraging members of the African American community to join Be The Match, the national marrow registry.
Every year, more than 35,000 children and adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases. For many of them, healthy marrow and blood cell transplants are their only chance for survival.
However, to be able to receive those life-saving transplants, patients need a genetic match. African American patients are most likely to find a match within the African American community. But only 7% of Be The Match Registry members are African American. It is crucial for African Americans to join the registry.
There are several opportunities in July to join the registry:
Weds., July 11 – Noon to 4 p.m.
Johnson Controls Inc.
11301 W. Lake Park Drive, Milwaukee
Fri., July 13 – 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Aurora Sinai Medical Center
945 N. 12th St., Milwaukee
Sat., July 14 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Health & Resource Fair
Corners of Atkinson Ave./ Capitol Dr./Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee
Sat., July 21 – 8 to 11:30 a.m.
United Negro College Fund Walk/Run
1001 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
Thurs., July 26 – 7 a.m. to noon
Johnson Controls Inc.
507 E. Michigan Ave., Milwaukee
Sat., July 28 – Noon to 6 p.m.
Big Foot Lions Club Annual Lobster Boil & Steak Fry
159 Fontana Blvd., Fontana
Anyone 18- to 60-years-old and in relatively good health can join the marrow registry at www.bethematch.com. For questions about donor eligibility, contact BloodCenter of Wisconsin at (414) 937-6388 or 1-866-702-HOPE (866-702-4673).
