McConnell launches base-wide bone marrow drive

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Team McConnell will launch a base-wide bone marrow registry drive to participate in the Department of Defense Marrow Donor Recruitment and Research program, which will run from Dec. 2-8.

The goal is to get as much of Team McConnell as possible to participate in the registry to potentially match and provide cures for others and their life-threatening disease.

“We have an awesome opportunity to come together and save the lives of those who suffer from leukemia, lymphoma and many other diseases,” said Tech. Sgt. Edward Encarnacion, 22^nd Medical Support Squadron laboratory services noncommissioned officer in charge.

There are 18,000 people with blood diseases hoping to be matched. While the chances of matching are rare the likelihood of a match increases each time another person registers.

“With the season of giving approaching, let us come together and think about those who are in less fortunate situations,” said Encarnacion. “One small act for us can mean the whole world for another person.”

Active duty personnel will be contacted by a group level representative with details on where they will be able to meet to provide a cheek swab and be applied to a bone marrow donator registry.

Reservists, Air National Guard members, DoD civilian employees and dependents can contact Encarnacion at 316-759-5032 on how to enter the registry.