South Asians Helping Marrow Program

The South Asian community in Springfield has been very active with the marrow donor program this past summer. When a teenager in their community was diagnosed with leukemia a couple of months ago, friends and family members went into high gear in their efforts to recruit more potential marrow donors.

A matched marrow or stem cell donor usually is found within the patient's own family or racial group. The National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) registry is largely Caucasian, so the push is on to recruit more minority registrants.

"A fantastic response," says Sharon Cemashko, R.N. of the blood center when describing the efforts of South Asians in Springfield. Harish Bhatt, a six gallon blood donor, is heading-up the recruitment drive. So far, almost 90 South Asians have registered for the program and more potential donors are expected. Mr. Bhatt is working to have a drive in Urbana-Champaign in the near future and he is working with other NMDP donor centers in Illinois.

If you are interested in helping, please call the blood center at 217-367-2202 or 800-217-GIVE.