FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2013
For information contact:
Elizabeth C. Duncan, Director of Media & Public Relations
Desk (208) 367-8121 Cell (208) 724-8047
duncanec@sarmc.org
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and the YMCA
Host Marrow Donor Registry Drive
For 46-year-old Boise resident Michaelle
Boise, ID – March 13, 2013 – Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and the Treasure Valley YMCA along with friends, family and volunteers are hosting a donor registry drive to raise awareness about the need for marrow donors and to perhaps find a matching donor for 46-year-old Boise resident Michaelle and many other patients like her.
Patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other diseases who need a marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant can find potential marrow donors and donated cord blood units through this program that matches patients with donors, provides education about this wonderful opportunity and conducts research so more lives can be saved.
Boise residents between the ages of 18 and 44, can take the first step to save a life by joining the “Be The Match Registry” on either Monday or Tuesday, March 18th and 19th using a simple cheek swab. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed, as patients in need of a transplant are most likely to match someone who shares their same race or ethnicity.
When & Where:
Monday, March 18th
Treasure Valley YMCA
1150 W State Street, Boise, ID 83702
7-10 a.m. and 5-9 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19th
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
1055 N. Curtis Road Boise, ID 83706
7-10 a.m. and 5-9 p.m.
Come in the main entrance.
Be The Match® is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) a nonprofit organization relies on financial contributions to help cover costs to maintain the registry, giving more patients hope for a cure. Those joining the Be The Match Registry are asked give what they can. The total cost to add each new member to the registry is about $100.
About Saint Alphonsus Health System
Saint Alphonsus Health System is a four-hospital, 714-bed regional, faith-based Catholic ministry with over 4,300 Associates and 950 medical staff. Serving the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada, Saint Alphonsus Health System is comprised of Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, with more than 275 primary care and specialty care providers at 35 clinic locations. As a not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests profits back into the community and works to improve the health and well-being of those we serve by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System is a member of Trinity Health, Novi, Michigan. To find out more go to: www.saintalphonsushealthsystem.org
###