Bone Marrow Drive

The 3rd MatchMakers of Hope Bone Marrow Drive will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2009.  The event will be held in the Blessing Hospital Auditorium located in the main campus at Broadway & 11th. 

For more information, contact Suzanne Ellerbrock via e-mail.

To learn more about the National Marrow Donor Program please visit their website at www.marrow.org 

NMDP FAQs

Question: What time should I arrive?
Answer: It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to watch a brief video.

Question: How long will it take?
Answer: It will take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending
on how busy we are.

Question: Do I have to pay for this?
Answer: No, the Rotary Club of Quincy along with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) are making this program available through special funding. You are welcome to make a donation on the day of the drive.

Question: How is the DNA sample taken from me?
Answer: We will be collecting cells by a buccal swab. This technique uses a cotton swab inside the mouth to collect cheek cells. 4 swabs will be used for each quadrant of the cheeks.

Question: Do I have to fill out a health questionnaire?
Answer: Yes, this is part of the consent form and there will be somebody available to assist you with this

Question: Can I just donate for one particular person.
Answer: If you would like to donate for a particular person you will need to go to the website www.bonemarrowtest.com to learn about private testing. To be tested at our drive, you must be willing to be on this Registry list for anyone.

Question: I'm 17 years old. If my parents sign a statement, can I join?
Answer: No, you must be at least 18 years old. Our upper age limit is 60.

Question: I am over 60 but as healthy as a horse. Why can't I join?
Answer: NMDP has strict age limitations for donors. Also, studies have shown that marrow from older donors does not engraft as well as marrow from younger donors.

Question: I am pregnant and want to join? Can I still sign up?
Answer: Yes, we are just doing a screening test. You will need to let the staff at the drive know when your due date is. You will me made "temporarily unavailable" until your delivery date.

Question: I have a medical condition. If my doctor signs a statement that it is OK for me to be a donor, can I join?
Answer: The NMDP staff will make the final decision on your eligibility. You may also call the NMDP IL office at 888-814-8608 to see if you qualify as a donor.

Question: I had cancer 8 years ago and am fine now. Am I eligible?
Answer: The only kinds of cancer we can accept are cervical cancer in situ, and basal and squamous cell skin caner.

Question: If I am a match some day, do I have to pay for my expenses?
Answer: NMDP will pay for all your expenses related to your donation. This includes all medical tests, donation hospital expenses, travel expenses for you and a companion, hotel, meals, etc.

Question: I want to join but will be out of town on the day of the drive. What can I do to be tested?
Answer: Give us your name, address, and daytime phone number. We will give this information to an NMDP staff member who will contact you and discuss your options for testing. You can also go to www.marrow.org and register online. The cost is $52 and if you qualify, a buccal swab kit can be mailed to you.