Science & Outdoors
Large turnout at UW-SP bone marrow drive
The Pointer
jmath438@uwsp.edu
On March 10, 2009, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the Student Involvement and Employment Office held a life-saving event for students to partake in.
“Be the Match,” an opportunity for students at UW-SP to join the bone marrow donor registry, attracted 65 students who are now on the register.
“The goal for the day was between 56 and 60 people and we exceeded that,” said coordinator Ruth Welhouse. “In total, there were 65 people who are now on the National Marrow Donor Registry. Everything went fantastic today and I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. “
A short form and 10 second cheek swab was all that was required to register for this life-saving opportunity. Every attendee had different reasons for registering and all were thankful for the opportunity.
Beverly Wenzel, UW-SP admissions staff member, signed on after being encouraged by a co-worker.
“I have a co-worker whose nephew had received a bone marrow transplant five years ago who is doing well,” said Wenzel. “We’ve kind of followed his story over the last few years.”
UW-SP student Edgar Wyman’s uncle is currently in need of bone marrow aspirations and cannot find a match. Wyman joined the registry in hopes that another family won’t have to go through the same thing.
“I feel that extra need to do it because I don’t want anyone else to be in the same situation that my uncle’s family is in,” said Wyman. “We don’t know if he’s going to go, when he’s going to go.”
Other students were just as charitable towards others.
“Donating blood and stuff makes me feel better about myself,” said freshman Gina Comozzi.
Ellen Forde, an employee at the Student Involvement and Employment office, wanted to support her group and help out others.
“I just think it’s an excellent opportunity,” said Forde. “Outside of the university, you might have to pay a thousand dollars to even get on the registry. It’s just an excellent opportunity to passively try and help somebody out.”
If you’re interested in joining the bone marrow registry or want to find out more information about the bone marrow donor registry, visit www.marrow.org.
