CBS News Sunday Morning recently highlighted the heartwarming story of Adam Riker, a 2-year-old diagnosed with leukemia, and his life-saving marrow donor, Gary Zalkin.
Gary joined the Be The Match Registry® in 1999. Adam, unrelated to Gary, was born nine years later with a very rare form of leukemia that required an immediate marrow transplant.
Gary turned out to be his transplant match. Gary's incredible act of generosity, kindness and bravery ultimately saved Adam's life. Adam is now happily enjoying life as a healthy 2-year-old.
CBS correspondent Martha Teichner attended their first-time meeting and took viewers behind the scenes of how the National Marrow Donor Program® matches searching patients with donors – from when someone joins the Be The Match Registry to when a patient receives his or her transplant.
How can I help?
Become a registry member! Complete a health questionnaire and swab your inner cheek. Contact your friends and relatives in the Washington, D.C., area and encourage them to join us. Potential donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 to register.
When?
In the Washington, D.C., area:
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Jane Lawton Community Center in Bethesda, Maryland
Other ways to help