It’s back to school, which means back to student life. This year Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation wants to go big on college campuses, educating students on what it means to be volunteer donors and giving them the opportunity to save a life.  Gift of Life has been running drives on college campuses for many years and is looking forward to working with even more campuses this year. 

On average, it takes 1,000 people to be tested before one match is found. From those 1,000, the number decreases dramatically due to certain ethnicities which are severely underrepresented in the registry.  Each year there are 10,000 people in the United States who are diagnosed with illnesses that could benefit from a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant, yet only half will receive one.  If there are more donors in the registry, then more patients will be able to find their lifesaving matches. 

Last year, Andrew, a 19 year old hockey player at Allegheny College swabbed at a drive during a homecoming football game. A few months later, Andrew was on his way to New York to donate to a 38 year old man suffering from leukemia.  Andrew said his donation was an experience he will always hold close his heart.  He is looking forward to working with Gift of Life this year at Alleghany and hosting another drive.

Running drives on college campuses is a lot easier than one would think. Gift of Life will send all the materials needed, train the coordinator, and even help come up with fundraising ideas.  All that is needed, are dedicated volunteers.

This Fall, don’t just go to a pep rally, hold a drive there. Talk to clubs and organizations about saving lives. Get Greek life involved in doing something good for the community.

Gift of Life doesn’t receive government funding, it is the generosity and good will of others that help us achieve our vision – a match, anytime, anywhere, for anyone.

Your campus has the power to save lives.  Contact Gift of Life at info@giftoflife.org or 1-800-9MARROW to get started today.