49th CPTS to host Marrow Donor drive

  • Published
  • By 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Comptroller Squadron will host a Bone Marrow Donor Drive May 3 through 7, at various locations throughout the base.

Team Holloman members interested in signing up to be a donor can register at the Domenici Fitness and Sports Center from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 5th; at the Base Exchange from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 7th; or they may register with the 49th CPTS or their unit representatives at anytime during the week.

The registry is open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders between the ages of 18 to 61 and the goal is to register 1,000 personnel to help those in need.

By signing up to be a bone marrow donor, individuals volunteer for the possibility of donating marrow to patients or fellow servicemembers in need through the Department of Defense Marrow Donor program.

"There's no greater gift to a family than having a chance to save the life of a loved one," said one event coordinator, Tech. Sgt. Andre Percell of the 49th CPTS.

The registration will consist of filling out a consent form and having four Q-tips swabbed inside the mouth separately.

Those who are interested can register even if they have:
· been turned down to be a blood donor
· lived in the United Kingdom, Africa or Iraq
· had a recent tattoo
· received anti-malaria medication
· received an anthrax vaccination
· are a pilot or member of a flight crew