NAPERVILLE – In conjunction with State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and Wheatland Township, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is hosting a “Be the Match” donor drive.

Be the Match is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding stem cell and bone marrow matches for people in need of a transplant. For patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be their best or only hope for a cure. However, 70% of patients who need a transplant to do not have a fully matched donor in their family. They depend on organizations like Be the Match to be matched with someone who can provide a lifesaving donation.

“There are so many people across the state and even right here in our community that are waiting for a bone marrow or stem cell match,” Ellman said. “You might be the match that someone has been waiting for—your participation has the power to save lives.”

The donor drive will be held on Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wheatland Township Offices, 4232 Tower Court in Naperville. Community members between the ages of 18 and 40 are invited to participate and join the registry of lifesaving donors.

People wanting to join the registry simply undergo a cheek swab, which is then sent to Be the Match to be processed and potentially matched with people in need of a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant. According to Be the Match, there is a one in 430 chance that any given donor will be called to donate, and nearly 75% of donations are as easy as giving blood. Joining the registry is commitment free, as donors are able to opt out at any point during the process.

"Joining the bone marrow donor registry is easy - just a swab of your cheek - but so important,” said Michael Crowner, Wheatland Township Supervisor. “A match could actually save a life."

Community members who are unable to attend the drive in person are encouraged to order a swab kit through Be the Match’s website, or by texting “WheatlandCares” to 61474.