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Bone marrow registry finds matches for those in need

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Owen
  • 16th SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FLD, Fla. --  Approximately 500 children and adults affiliated with the Department of Defense are diagnosed each year with leukemia or other fatal blood diseases.

A bone marrow transplant is likely their only hope.

This happens to be the case with Kadin, 3, who’s family is stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. When he was 5 months old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. His medical team fought the disease with chemotherapy.

Kadin went into remission for three years, however, his family recently learned his disease had returned. His doctors believe the best hope for long-term survival is a bone-marrow transplant.

“To help Kadin and others like him is pretty simple: one small tube of blood and a registration form,” said Dee Dee Rodriguez, bone marrow registry drive co-coordinator.
“The process is no different than having a blood test as part of a medical appointment.”

“The results are added to the National Marrow Donor Registry as well as the Department of Defense Marrow Center in Washington D.C.,” added Tech. Sgt. David Rodriguez, Dee Dee’s husband and drive co-coordinator.

Hurlburt Field coordinators and senior leadership hope to see 500 names added to the registry during the drive.

There aren’t many limitations on who can register. Individuals must be 18-60 years old and in good health. Don’t be concerned about any foreign travel or vaccinations received.

Any possible limits will be determined during the secondary screenings after an initial match has been made.

After filling out DOD Form 2576, bone marrow registry consent form, individuals will be added to the list of possible donors.

According to the DOD Bone Marrow Program Web site, the procedure to harvest the bone marrow is simple and virtually painless. A small amount of marrow is collected from the back of the pelvic bone using a special needle and syringe.

The marrow is naturally replenished within a few weeks. Additionally, donors incur no medical fees, and travel and incidental expenses are paid.

Sergeant Rodriguez and his wife have a special connection with all families like Kadin’s. They lost their own son, Sergio, 11, to leukemia.

“This is how we pay tribute to Sergio,” said Mrs. Rodriguez. “Childhood cancer is something that no one wants to think about. We hope to change that so other families can have happier outcomes than ours.”

For more information about the bone marrow donation process, visit www. dodmarrow.com.