BAPS Charities BONE MARROW DRIVE, EDISON, NJ

10.17.2004
Edison, NJ, USA

Every year, more than 30,000 children and adults in the United States are diagnosed with life threatening blood diseases such as leukemia and aplastic anemia. For many of these patients, a bone marrow transplant is the only chance for a cure.

Understanding the importance and criticality of this problem, BAPS Charities organized a day-long Bone Marrow Drive in Edison, New Jersey. Over 250 people came and thereby indicated their willingness to donate their own bone marrow if their marrow was a match with that of a donee. Part of the motivation for the donors was the 15 Indian-Americans, including a 9-month-old child, who currently require bone marrow transplants.

The painless and simple process lasted about 20 minutes per donor. Each person was asked to fill out a medical history questionnaire, and if they met the necessary qualifications, a quick blood sample was drawn from their arm or finger. A blood test was then to be conducted on these samples and the bone marrow type to be entered into the national registry for future use. A transplant would be possible when the patient and donor have matching tissue types.

BAPS Charities called upon the people from the Indian community to come out in large number and register. Mr. Rama, who is a recipient of bone marrow transplant and now leads a normal life, spoke to all the potential donors and inspired them to come forward and be a part of this noble cause. Plans are also afoot to organize similar drives at other centers in the United States.