Local volunteer to be at LMH Market representing Be a Match bone marrow and stem cell program

[September 08, 2022]    On Saturday, September 10th, Logan County resident Vic Martinek will have a table at the LMH Market at the Logan County Fairground.

Martinek is a local volunteer representing the Be the Match program, which the National Marrow Donor Program operates. The Be a Match program seeks to educate the public about bone marrow and stem cell donation to benefit blood cancer patients.

Martinek will have information about the program and will be conducting cheek swaps for those who sign up for the bone marrow and stem cell registry.

Martinek offered some 'quick facts' about bone marrow and stem cell donation for prospective donors to consider before visiting his table.

Some quick facts:

• Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 40 to join the registry.

• Must be between 18 and 60 to donate.

• Registry is by cheek swab.

• 70% of patients that need marrow/stem cells do not have a match within their family.

• 14,000 are waiting on non-family donors.

• 80% of the time, the donation is through blood cells.

Those that are not eligible to donate can help through monetary donations. There is no cost to donors, and Be the Match offers financial assistance to patients.

Martinek is also available to attend special activities or events for local organizations and businesses. To make arrangements for a visit from Martinek contact him at 217-671-6050.

[Vic Martinek]