Help 11-year-old Frankie Techter find a match at stem cell donor screening and blood donation April 8

Frankie Techter, an 11-year-old Harter Middle School student, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. He currently is at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for chemo, but he also will need a stem cell transplant. Finding a donor who is a match for Frankie and others like him is a 1 in 20,000 chance.

On Saturday, April 8, there will be a Be the Match screening and Versiti blood donation event from 1 to 4 p.m. at Elburn Lions Club, 500 Filmore St.

Joining the registry is as easy as a fast digital form and a cheek swab.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, get a cheek swab to see if you can be a donor for Frankie or others like him. If you are 18 or older, you can also donate blood.

Find the "Fighting for Frankie" link on the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois Donor Portal to make an appointment if you wish, but walk-ins are welcome.

Ream's hot dogs will be available, while supplies last.

There will also be a drawing to take home a few gift baskets, Wind & Steel will be playing, shirts and yard signs from SignFx can be picked up (if you selected the event as your pickup location), a card making station for Frankie, a picture/ video spot with a way to send Frankie a well wish, and the Easter Bunny.

Can't make the event? Text Frankie to 61474 to join the "Be the Match" registry today.

You can request a screening kit to be sent to your home by visiting my.bethematch.org/Frankie. Remember to send your kit back immediately to make sure it gets screened.

Share this information and/or post with everyone you know. The family needs as many people as possible to screen for Frankie and others like him.

A CaringBridge site was created for Frankie at www.caringbridge.org/visit/fightingforfrankie.

For more informtion, contact Lisa Tingler at (630) 740-7861.