An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. (500 in the military alone) are diagnosed each year with leukemia, aplastic anemia or other fatal blood diseases. For many, the only hope for survival is a marrow transplant.

Unfortunately, nearly 70 percent of these patients can’t find a match within their own family. They need to find unrelated marrow donors—people like you who have volunteered to donate marrow if ever matched.

The Department of Defense Bone Marrow Center also has a military contingency mission to provide immediate donor searches in the event of a mass casualty incident involving chemical or radiation exposure.

These toxic agents can destroy your marrow.

All it takes is a simple blood test, only five minutes needed. The procedure is simple. On the day of the drive a tablespoon of blood will be drawn, which will be Human Leukocyte Antigen type tested.

After typing, your name is placed on the national registry. If someone who is sick matches your HLA type the DoD Bone Marrow Donor Center will call you and ask if you are still willing to be a donor. The marrow is removed through a minor procedure in about 60 minutes.

Only a very small amount of your bone marrow is needed to save a life and your bone marrow will replenish itself in only a few days.

Testing takes place at NAS Whidbey on these dates:

Hangar 5—April 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AIMD—April 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hangar 6—April 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CNATTU—April 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NAS Whidbey Navy Exchange - April 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Open to all retirees and family members).

It’s easy, safe, simple and free to all military and family member, DoD civilian personnel and contractors between the ages of 18 and 60. You can register even if you have taken anti-malaria medication, had a recent tattoo, or served in the UK or Africa.

For more information, contact Cmdr. Stephen Mattson at 257-9836/9828, or visit http://www.dodmarrow.com{{PERIOD}}