THE Pilipino Task Force was established in 1993 at Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M). One of the first patients in need of a marrow match was Elmer Simbol. A3M conducted drives to recruit donors from the Pilipino community in the hope that Elmer would find his miracle. Unfortunately, he passed away without a donor, along with 17 year-old Val Manalanson and Nancy Alegado. A3M continued to serve many more patients in the following years and made immense efforts, with the help of patients and their families, to increase the number of donors in the national registry.
Census data suggests that the Filipino community is one of the largest Asian communities in the US and yet there are only 43,000 Filipino potential donors in the registry. Over the years, organizations like Goldilocks and patient driven campaigns like that for Christine Pechera have helped recruit donors.
Often patients are not able to take their stories to the community to recruit donors on their own. They are tired from the treatment; families are overwhelmed by the unpredictability and uncertainty of the situation. In other words, you may not hear about every searching patient in need of a donor! Therefore, it is important to become aware of the need. Patients depend on us and our community to help save their life. Because tissue or marrow types are inherited, a patient will most likely match someone of the same heritage. Pilipinos can help Filipino patients!
Joining the Be The Match Registry is easy! At the donor drive, we will explain what it means to join the registry, help you understand your commitment, answer your questions and educate you about the process. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60, meet the health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need.
All you need to do is: Complete a registration form with contact information, health questionnaire and a signed agreement to join the Be The Match Registry. Give either a swab of cheek cells. We will use the results to match you with a patient.
For more information please visit our website at: AsianMarrow.org or call (888) 236 4673. Visit our booth (#216) at the Phil Expo!
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