Community encouraged to join Be the Match Registry
Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, friends of the Santos family are hosting a donor registry drive to increase awareness of the need for marrow donors and to find a matching donor for 41-year-old Melissa Santos, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells), and other patients who suffer from her condition.
Philipstown residents between the ages of 18 and 44 are asked to join the Be the Match Registry between 1 and 6 p.m. on Saturday at Gergely Pediatrics in Garrison and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Cold Spring using a simple cheek swab. Patients in need of a transplant are most likely to match someone who shares their same race or ethnicity.
The total cost to add a new member to the Be the Match Registry is about $100. Be the Match relies on financial contributions to help cover costs. Contributions to Be the Match Foundation assist in adding more members to the registry, giving more patients hope for a cure. Those who plan on joining are asked to give what they can.
