Bone marrow registry at St. Kateri blood drive

Sat., April 21, 7:45 am to 1 pm

Published Apr 16, 2018 at 5:02 pm (Updated Apr 16, 2018)

Sparta — Inspired by a tragic cancer case in her Irish dance community, local teen Mary Wick has organized a bone marrow registry drive at the monthly St. Kateri blood drive this Saturday April 21 from 7:45 am to 1 pm.

Several months ago, Mary received word of a little 17-month-old girl, Ellie, who is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, none of her siblings are a match and they are still searching for someone. If they are unable to find a donor, she may have less than a year to live.

Mary contacted Be the Match, an organization that assists those in need of a transplant, and is coordinating with the St. Kateri monthly blood drive to incorporate a bone marrow registry drive for the month of April.

The test is a simple cheek swab and does not involve any commitment. If, in the future, there is a match for someone in need of a transplant, you will be contacted with more information about becoming a donor.

Please come support Ellie and many others in need of a bone marrow transplant.

St. Kateri's RC Church is located at 427 Stanhope Sparta Rd, Sparta.