DKMS Donor Drive Story
Share the Love, Give a Swab
In collaboration with DKMS (We Delete Blood Cancer), ELGA Credit Union recently hosted a Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive on February 7, 2024. This meaningful event, sponsored generously by Hank Graff Davison, surpassed expectations, ensuring that all fees associated with adding new registrants to the National Bone Marrow registry were fully covered. With a theme of Valentine’s Day, the event was appropriately named “Share the Love ♥ Give a Swab.”
The significance of bone marrow donation cannot be overstated, with nearly 20,000 Americans in need of a transplant each year. Alarmingly, 70% of these individuals lack a compatible match within their families and must turn to the registry for hope. Tragically, 6 out of 10 patients do not receive the life-saving transplant they require due to the unavailability of suitable donors. Hence, the importance of increasing registry participation cannot be emphasized enough.
One of ELGA’s employees, Tracy Mandock, reflects on her experience and shares her story. She was informed of her pregnancy as well as her diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia in May 2015. While she was able to control her leukemia, the possibility that she may require a transplant lingered. If her brother were not a match, she would have to be referred to the bone marrow registry list, hoping she would find a match.
This marked ELGA’s fourth Bone Marrow Donor Drive, a cause passionately championed by Tracy. The unwavering support from ELGA and its community has been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering participation. The concerted efforts of ELGA’s marketing department ensured widespread visibility for the event, further amplifying its impact.
A testament to the life-saving potential of bone marrow donation comes from within ELGA. Meghann Adams, an employee, registered as a donor at a previous drive and was quickly identified as a match. Her selfless donation of 60 million stem cells to a recipient in Sweden led to a successful transplant, offering renewed hope and a cancer-free future.
ELGA Credit Union’s continuing commitment to hosting Bone Marrow Donor Drives underscores their dedication to community welfare and life-saving endeavors. Initiatives like these not only raise awareness but also provide tangible opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Together, they continue to share the love and spread hope for those in need.
ELGA Credit Union’s continued support in organizing the Bone Marrow Donor Drives highlights their strong commitment to their community. Such efforts not only enhance awareness but also offer a chance for individuals to impact the lives of others.
