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Manchester Campus Holds Successful Bone Marrow Drive for Graduate

On December 6, a bone marrow donor drive was held on the MCPHS Manchester campus for Physician Assistant Studies graduate Nicole Nelson. Nelson, who was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia, is married with a 15-month old daughter, and is a practicing physician assistant in Concord, N.H. She is in need of a compatible marrow donor (none of her family members are a match), and without a marrow transplant, the disease can be fatal. The drive was conducted with the assistance of the National Marrow Donor Program and the Rhode Island Blood Center. Aplastic anemia is a disease where the body stops producing enough new blood cells, causing fatigue and increased higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding. Over 90 individuals were registered during the event.

During the past few weeks, students, faculty and staff organized the drive and distributed brochures in the Manchester area. Baked goods were prepared by volunteers, and the College purchased refreshments for donors and volunteers. While the immediate goal of the drive was to find a donor for Nicole, the long term goal is to raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donation and how it can save someone’s life. Testing is as easy as swabbing the inside of one’s cheek to obtain the specimen. There is also no cost to the donor, as most insurance companies will pay for screening. If you are interested in registering as a potential donor and receiving a registration packet and swab kit, you can contact the Rhode Island Blood Center at 800-283-8385.

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