Currently there are over 900 patients in Canada waiting for a stem cell match. OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network is coming to Fanshawe in hopes of receiving donations from as many young, healthy and committed donors as possible. A Registration and Swabbing Event will be held in the Student Centre at Fanshawe on February 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Currently the registry holds over 336,000 potential stem cell donors, the majority of whom are female and Caucasian. This is why the National Get Swabbed! College Campaign is targeting males from diverse backgrounds who are 17 to 35 years old who are willing to donate to any patient in need. There is a particular need to increase the number of Aboriginal and Black registrants to support the 15 Aboriginal patients and 40 Black patients, currently awaiting a stem cell transplant. The more diverse the registry, the better chance they have in making that match.

Giving blood is another way to help stem cell patients as they will require blood products along their journey. On February 6, you can also visit the Student Union Alumni Lounge (above Oasis) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to donate blood. If you want to book an appointment in advance, call 1-888-2-DONATE or visit blood.ca

The next blood donation clinic at Fanshawe will be held on February 27.