Communities Invited to Bone Marrow Donor Drive

From DKMS:

Santa Clara residents will come together to swab their cheeks as part of a bone marrow donor drive, organized by DKMS, with hopes to save the life of Kenza Durani, a 10-month-old, Indian-Pakistani girl, who is suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (ALM) and is in need of a bone marrow transplant in the next eight weeks if she reaches remission.

Swabbing one's cheek is all it takes to register as a potential donor. Approximately 70 percent of people suffering from blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside their families to save their lives. It is especially crucial to raise awareness for ethnic minorities in order to increase their chances of finding a match.

DKMS is part of the world’s largest bone marrow donor center.

The event will be held Friday, June 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Islamic Society of Santa Clara, located at 3003 Scott Blvd. in Santa Clara.

DKMS, part of the world’s largest bone marrow donor center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating blood cancer and other blood-related illnesses by inspiring as many people as possible to register as bone marrow donors – thereby providing patients with second chances at life.

Further information is available through the DKMS website.