SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Who knew that a simple cheek swab could potentially prolong or save the life of someone?
Previously, many people refrained from donating bone marrow because of the perceived pain associated with drilling into the hip bone. Now the procedure is less invasive, but there are still not enough potential donors.
Team Scott is answering this call by hosting a four-day bone marrow drive, ending June 5.
Many people think registering to be a potential donor includes giving blood. In reality, it consists only of a simple cheek swab and filling out forms.
"The kit comes with four swabs, two for each cheek, and then there are about five minutes of questions," said Master Sgt. Leonard Arsenault, 375th Security Forces Squadron installation security NCOIC and a key worker for the drive.
The goal for Scott is to register more than 4,000 people.
Statistically, for every 300 people registered, one donor is matched for a marrow transplant, which can treat more than 70 potentially fatal diseases. If someone is matched, the transfusion is similar to having an IV in the arm.
Currently, there are more than 500 people in the Department of Defense in need of bone marrow. However, the registry is not just for DoD members, it is international.
"I know of someone who was matched and they ended up helping a child in India," said Sergeant Arsenault. "Who would have thought that they could be saving lives all the way in India?"
There a few things that can limit eligibility, such as cancer and diabetes, but more people are eligible to give marrow than to donate blood.
"I can't give blood because I was in Europe during Mad Cow disease, but I can give marrow," said Sergeant Arsenault.
The drive also affects Sergeant Arsenault personally, as he lost his father to cancer.
"People talk about drilling a hole in the bone which is partially correct, but when you think of the personal effects, I would not mind enduring the pain, even it were a drill in the hip," said Sergeant Arsenault. "I would rather suffer through some pain than watch a loved one suffer or lose them."
Anyone interested in donating bone marrow should contact Captain Mobley at 229-3910, Sergeant Arsenault at 256-6000, Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Lindsey at 229-3632 or their unit representative.
Sidebar:
Each unit has a bone marrow drive representative who can assist anyone interested in becoming a potential marrow donor. Additional bone marrow donor registry information is listed below as available.
375th Contracting Squadron
Bldg. 52, Contracting Bldg; Conference Room
Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Airman 1st Class Ole Haug
Air Mobility Command headquarters
Maj. Linda Warhover
3rd Manpower Requirements Squadron
Conference Room
Today from 10 a.m. to noon
Capt. Matthew Huibregtse
635th Supply Chain Management Group
Base Exchange
Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Staff Sgt. Rachel Warning
635th Supply Chain Management Group
Bldgs. 1515/1521/1900/4001
Today
Master Sgt. Michael Brown
375th Security Forces Squadron
Today
Master Sgt. Leonard Arsenault
18th Air Force
Tech. Sgt. Lisa McKethen
375th Civil Engineer Squadron
Rebecca Dale
U.S. Transportation Command
Today
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Vanhooser
375th Communications Group
Master Sgt. Lisa Bridges
AMC A4
Bldg. 1600; A4 Conference Room; 2nd floor
Today from 1-2 p.m.
Master Sgt. Michael Felton
Base Chapel
Today from 7-8 a.m.
Capt. Michael Carey
932nd Airlift Wing
Master Sgt. John Sims
Air Force Global Logistics Support Center
Bldg. 1521, Break Room
Today 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tech. Sgt. Katherine Aronin
Shoppette
Master Sgt. Jennifer Roman
375th Judge Advocate Office
Master Sgt. Lisa Zrucky
375th Operations Support Squadron
Today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Senior Airman Joshua Stinar
AMC staff
Laurie Brown
618th Tanker Airlift Control Center
Mark Bobzien