With more than 900 Canadian patients waiting for a stem cell match, the search for donors continues.
Four ‘Swab In’ registration sessions are being held locally later this month.
The Rotary Club of Nipissing, Nipissing University and Canadore College are partnering with Canadian Blood Services for the initiative.
“Stem cells can treat several kinds of blood cancers as well as approximately 80 other medical conditions, including sickle cell disease and, in some cases, multiple sclerosis,” says Hayden Lloyd, fourth-year collaborative Nipissing and Canadore nursing student. “What we’re hoping to promote during the Swab In is awareness for everyone and have a record number of people registering as potential donors.”
The goal is to register 300 people, which would surpass the 166 registered in March 2023.
Officials say students and staff need to be 17 to 35 years of age, noting ethnic diversity will help build a robust registry.
The events, which are open to the public and international students too, are being held:
Wednesday, Sept. 25
- From 10 am to 3 pm outside the bookstore at the Education Centre Campus
- From 5 pm to 7 pm in the foyer of Nipissing’s Surtees Athletic Centre
Thursday, Sept. 26th
- From 10 am to 3 pm outside the bookstore at the Education Centre Campus
- From 10 am to 3 pm outside the cafeteria at Canadore’s Commerce Court Campus
