Blood Drive, Bone Marrow Registry March 14 for Barrington Teens
Two Barrington teens battling leukemia-one at the beginning of his chemotherapy treatment, and the other completing his final treatment after a bone marrow transplant-will be honored at a "CarterStrong" blood drive/bone marrow registry event from 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main Street, Barrington.
Barrington resident Carter Bailey, 19, will celebrate his tenth month of being leukemia-free following chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant last July as treatment for his acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He is currently taking classes at Harper College, with plans of attending Indiana University to study finance and economics this fall.
Noah Toth, 14, a freshman at Barrington High School, was diagnosed in January with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells. Toth belongs with Boy Scout Troop 29, which meets at St. Anne's School in Barrington.
"Noah just completed his first course of chemotherapy treatment," says the teen's father, Steve Toth. "He's doing well."
The March 14 event is co-hosted by Chicagoland blood supplier LifeSource, and national bone marrow registrar, Be The Match.
With the assistance of Be The Match, organizers were able to locate for Bailey an anonymous bone marrow donor match. Doctors told his family that without a marrow transplant, the teen's leukemia would most likely return. During his months of treatment, Bailey received at least 36 units of red blood cells and 42 units of platelets.
"When we pass the one-year mark (since the transplant) next summer," says Jim Bailey, his father, "we're hoping to perhaps meet this incredibly generous person, and personally thank them."
Both families are asking friends and strangers, alike, to attend the March 14 event to donate blood to LifeSource, while joining the Marrow Donor Registry by registering their cheek swab with Be The Match.
Bone marrow registrants are limited to ages 18-44, and must be in good health.
"As we celebrate Carter's tenth month post-transplant, we hope you'll consider helping us to replenish LifeSource blood supplies by donating blood or joining the bone marrow registry," says Celeste Bailey, his mom. "You never know the life you will save with your generous and selfless donation."
Appointments for the blood drive are preferred, but all walk-ins are welcome. Donors can schedule their appointment by calling LifeSource at (877) 543-3768, or visiting www.lifesource.org and using the code BA13. For more information, contact LifeSource account manager William Spangenberg at (847) 612-1019.
Along with hosting daily blood drives, LifeSource operates 19 community donor centers and four fixed sites with regular operating days and hours. In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification.