MEDIA ADVISORY
December 15, 2011
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stephanie Mathes, Indianapolis Colts, O: 317-808-5144 / C: 317-997-6900
Kit Werbe, Indiana University Health, O: 317-963-7692/ C: 317-217-0422
Steve Cooke, for Indiana Blood Center at Bose Public Affairs Group, O: 317-684-5417 / C: 317-627-9955
Gary Brackett’s Drive for Life Bone Marrow Registry Calls for Help
Hoosiers asked to “Be the Match” this Saturday for thousands of transplant patients
INDIANAPOLIS—Hoosiers are being asked to participate in Indianapolis Colts Linebacker Gary Brackett’s Drive for Life: Continuing the Legacy of Tyler Genneken this Saturday, Dec. 17, as a way to grow the Be the Match bone marrow registry that could save thousands of lives across the globe.
Joining the Be the Match Registry is easy and takes only 30 minutes. After completing a health history form, the inside cheek is swabbed. There are no other steps until a donor may be called and asked to take the final step of donation for a matching patient in need of a transplant. Anyone 18-60 years old, in good health and willing to donate to someone in need is eligible to join the registry. There is no cost to the donor.
Gary Brackett will be available at each location to promote his book, Winning: From Walk-On to Captain, In Football & Life. Free parking is available for bone marrow registry participants.
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WHAT:
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Gary Brackett’s Drive for Life: Continuing the Legacy of Tyler Genneken
Be the Match Bone Marrow Registry Drive, presented through a partnership of Indiana University Health and the Indianapolis Colts
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WHEN:
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Saturday, December 17th
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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WHERE:
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· IU Health Methodist Hospital, Noyes Pavilion, 1800 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
· IU Health North Hospital, 11700 N. Meridian Street, Carmel
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INTERVIEW
OPPORTUNITIES DEC. 17th |
· Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts Linebacker
o At IU Health Methodist Hospital, 9:15 – 11 a.m.
o At IU Health North Hospital, 12 – 2 p.m.
· Dr. Paul Haut, Director, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
o At IU Health North Hospital, 9 a.m. – Noon
· Dr. Dan Waxman, Chief Medical Officer, Indiana Blood Center
o At IU Health Methodist Hospital, 9 a.m. – Noon
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FACTS:
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· More than 112,000 candidates are on the national transplant waiting list.
· 70% of people in need of a transplant do not match through a family member.
· Up to 34% fail to find a match on the registry.
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For more information, to make a financial contribution, or to join the Be the Match Registry online, go to indianablood.org/DriveForLife. With registry questions, call Indiana Blood Center at 317-916-5112. Indiana Blood Center coordinates the Be the Match Registry in Indiana.
