On November 15, 2023

25th anniversary of the Vermont Bone Marrow Donor program to be held at RRMC

 

November is National Marrow Donor Month and this year it marks the 25th anniversary of the National Marrow Donor Program at Rutland Regional Medical Center. The first marrow donor registration event was held on Nov. 17, 1998, and the hospital is celebrating the 25th anniversary milestone on this same date, 25 years later.

On Friday, Nov.17, between the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the hospital will be hosting a Be The Match Marrow Donor registration event. Registration is now done by scanning a QR code with one’s cell phone, filling out a short form, completing two check swabs, and the process is done.

“During the quick registration, we’ll be sharing details about the donation process,” said Kerry Ellis, Marrow Program Coordinator at the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional. “If they are found to be a match, they will be contacted and begin the journey to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Each year more than 30,000 adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukemia and sickle cell disease. For many patients, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant is needed to survive.

The most recent data from the NMDP for Vermont’s impact is exceptional, especially given the small population size in the Green Mountain State. Most recent data covers the years between 2018 and 2022:

141 patients searching for donors

 80 transplants

37 donors

16,343 residents willing to donate

NMDP provides patient assistance grants to help families with out-of-pocket expenses for things related to searching for a donor, prescription co-pays, travel and lodging and more. Since these grants became available, 32 patients in Vermont have received $104,122 to help cover the uninsured costs of a marrow transplant.

A transplant is possible only when the patient and donor have matching tissue types. While nearly 30 percent of patients in need will find a matched donor within their immediate family, the other 70% must seek the help of friends or strangers.

The program requires that all potential donors be between the ages of 18 and 40 and in good health. Those wanting to register for NMDP should enter the hospital’s Stratton Road entrance.

Rutland Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Vermont and in all of New England to offer this program.

More information, email Kerry Ellis directly at [email protected] and visit RRMC Bone Marrow Donor Program.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

How Killington became the Beast: Part 4

April 2, 2025
By Karen D. Lorentz Last week, I wrote that State Forester Perry Merrill initially envisioned developing Killington Mountain for skiing to benefit the state. However, it wasn’t until he met the young Preston Smith that he found a passionate skier who would share his enthusiasm for a mountain few were aware existed. Although he checked…

In memory of Tom Huebner: Longtime RRMC CEO and advocate for Vermont healthcare

April 2, 2025
The Rutland community is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader and advocate for healthcare access and wellness across Vermont. Tom Huebner, former president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC), passed away on Wednesday, March 26, at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. Huebner’s tenure at RRMC spanned nearly…

Henry Pearl Biathrow, 91

April 2, 2025
Henry Pearl Biathrow Passed away quietly at his home in Killington on Sunday, March 23, after a long illness. A private service will be held with family members. A celebration of life gathering will be held in Killington this spring. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Henry P. Biathrow to the Sherburne United…

Student artwork celebrates Doctors’ Day 

April 2, 2025
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) marked National Doctors’ Day on March 30 with a heartwarming and colorful tradition: original artwork created by local students. This year, nearly 400 drawings from kindergarten through 4th-grade students across 11 Rutland County schools were displayed throughout the hospital, honoring the care and dedication of RRMC’s physicians. The annual celebration,…