Stem Cell Donor Recognition Event hosted by Be The Match

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Sept. 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Stem Cell Donor Recognition Event hosted by Be The Match

Be The Match to recognize and honor life-saving stem cell donors, and will host a donor/ recipient reunion.

Santa Ana, Calif., September 4, 2014 - The cure for blood cancers is in the hands of ordinary people, and 65 individuals will be recognized for giving many patients a second chance at life with their donation of stem cells. Be The Match's 2014 Donor Recognition Event will acknowledge and honor the life-saving efforts of these distinct individuals, and will provide an opportunity for a patient and donor to meet for the very first time.

"These type of meetings and events are so wonderful for all — it really defines our mission," says Pat Conlee, Manager of Community Engagement at Be The Match, based in Santa Ana, California. "A total stranger has an opportunity to cure someone with cancer and provide the gift of life." A bone marrow or cord blood transplant may be the best treatment option or the only potential for a cure for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and many other diseases, often providing the hope of a future.

"This recognition event serves to celebrate the victory of the lifesaving efforts of our donors, along with a heartwarming patient/donor reunion," says Conlee. Although many patients and donors may have anonymous contact during the first year after transplant, some choose to meet after a waiting period of at least one year. "The recipient is a student from China going to school in Los Angeles, and the donor and patient have never communicated and will be meeting for the very first time — it should be an emotional meeting for all of us."

Electra Cruises in Newport Beach has subsidized a portion of the costs associated with hosting the event. The 2014 Donor Recognition Event will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014, 12:00pm – 4:00pm aboard the Eternity Cruise Ship.

About Be The Match

Be The Match®, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to helping every patient get the life-saving transplant they need. As trusted leaders in advancing treatments for those facing life-threatening blood cancers, we provide the ground-breaking research, innovative technologies, patient support, and education that save lives.

Contacts:

Justin Watson

Manager, Adult Donor Management Services

714-800-1631

Pat Conlee

Manager, Community Engagements, Southwest District

714-800-1630