Marrow drive aims to save lives Published Sept. 26, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Joshua Lynch and Tammi Gavin 23d Wing MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- If you were given the chance to potentially save a life, would you take it? Each year more than 30,000 people are diagnosed with leukemia or some other fatal blood diseases. Of these, 500 are fellow Department of Defense (DOD) and military personnel. Every day, thousands of those people wait for a potentially lifesaving bone marrow transplant, which can treat more than 60 different potentially fatal diseases. For many patients, a bone marrow transplant is the only treatment option providing a cure. Unfortunately, more than 70 percent of those in need of a bone marrow transplant do not have a family member who is a suitable match and must rely on finding a match through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). In May 1990, Public Law directed DOD to establish a marrow donor program. Congress directed the establishment of this military program to assist the civilian NMDP. The military program aims to increase public awareness and expand the opportunity for individuals within DOD to participate. The establishment of the DOD program also increased the size and diversity of the national registry. As of Dec. 31, 2010, more than 622,000 DOD volunteers have registered in the DOD and NMDP files. Of these, 1,700 DOD volunteers have provided marrow to strangers to help save their lives, and more than 180 DOD beneficiaries have received marrow transplants from NMDP volunteers. The pain associated with bone marrow donation is the single most talked about concern among potential donors. It is understandable to have fears with anything related to medical procedures, as the unknown can be a significant contributing factor to fear. There are two procedures associated with bone marrow donation, the Bone Marrow procedure and Stem Cell procedure. The Bone Marrow procedure can be accomplished by one of two methods. The first method uses an epidural to numb a donor's lower extremities. The second method uses general anesthesia, and donors are asleep for the whole process. With each method, bone marrow is extracted from the hip bones, which can cause pain in the lower back and tailbone. The Stem Cell procedure is less painful, but prep time yields headaches, muscle aches and bones aches. Medication that causes stem cells to gather for collection is the cause of these associated aches. When faced with the unknown, people tend to be anxious and fearful. Adrenaline forces us to establish an apprehensive mindset, which can lead to an inability to focus on the more important aspects of being a donor. Most important of all is the fact that donors have an option, whereas patients of leukemia, lymphoma, bone marrow disease and many others undergo countless procedures before finding a potentially lifesaving match. Some victims, unfortunately, suffer without finding a match. There are very few factors that disqualify somebody from registering. In fact, many people who are ineligible to donate blood are still eligible to donate marrow. Volunteers register by submitting their personal information and a cheek swab, which determines their Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) type. Once the donor has registered, the DOD safeguards all his or her personal information, and only the person's HLA type, associated with an ID number, is shared with the NMDP. With the assistance of the DOD's C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment program, Team Moody will be hosting a registration drive Sept. 24 to 28 at various locations throughout the base. Representatives made up of Moody personnel will be available in base units to register service members throughout the week. Also, the following registry locations will be available: Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parker Greene Base Support Center (Bldg 105), Comptroller Squadron Conference Room Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The SPOT Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moody Base Exchange The Team Moody Marrow Donor Drive goal is to register 50 to 60 percent of the base population. This doesn't mean every registrant will become a match for a patient in need, but it's a step toward making more potential matches available. Be on the lookout for more information concerning this drive and if inclined, make an effort to register.