Those interested in donating bone marrow are encouraged to get tested at the Alexandria Area High School's north parking lot on Wednesday, May 19, from 3:45-6:45 p.m.
The event is in honor of Cindy Hughes, a 31-year employee of Alexandria Public Schools who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Organizers said Hughes has already received her bone marrow match, and that they are encouraging people to sign up to donate to others still in need.
Donors must be ages 18-44, based on medical research that shows younger donors are best for patients and provide the greatest chance for transplant success.
The test process involves a cheek swab, and lasts 10-15 minutes. The cheek swab will be used to add the donor to the Be The Match registry connecting donors with patients in need of a transplant.
Be The Match estimates that one in 40 registry members will be called for additional testing to determine the best possible match for a patient, and that one in 430 members on the registry will actually donate.
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For more information, visit bethematch.org .
