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Simple swab test can save a life |
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Written by the Jewish Tribune staff
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Tuesday, 21 April 2009 |
TORONTO – An important opportunity to be added to the international bone marrow registry and possibly save a life takes place Sunday, April 26, at Adath Israel synagogue on Southbourne Avenue.
Registration involves a simple swab of cells from inside the cheek, and no blood is required at this stage.
Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, North America’s Jewish donor registry, has been facilitating bone-marrow drives for 18 years. Those previously tested do not need to repeat the process.
Sunday’s drive was organized on behalf of the family of Jonathan Grossman, a married 46-year-old father of two, who was diagnosed with idiopathic myelofibrosis, a rare blood disorder. He has been undergoing weekly blood transfusions and urgently requires a bone-marrow transplant to survive.
The best chance of finding an eligible match lies with those of similar ethnicity, since blood-tissue type is inherited. Eligible donors must be 18-60 years of age and in general good health.
For more information, call 1-800-MARROW or go to giftoflife.org. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 April 2009 )
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