by Senior Airman Marcus Morris
18th Wing Public Affairs
9/27/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Team
Kadena registered more than 900 potential bone marrow donors to help
retired Chief Master Sgt. Kim Jochem and other individuals.
More than 20 squadrons and community organizations, like Airmen
Committed to Excellence, volunteered 277 hours at nine registration
sites during the seven-day campaign Aug. 20-26.
Jochem reached out to Master Sgt. Geoff Robertson, Kadena's career
assistance advisor, to grab the attention of the retired chief's fellow
service members and help her find a donor who can ultimately save her
life.
Senior Airman Taniah Otis, 18th Medical Support Squadron laboratory
technician, said the chief has been waiting at least a year for a donor
since four potential donors declined the opportunity to give bone marrow
to her, and she is in desperate need a donor.
"This drive is for the Department of Defense bone marrow program and,
not only are donors helping friends and co-workers, they are helping
past leaders who have led the way for us," Otis said. "The DOD gets
first pick of any donors registered with the program and then the names
go on to the national bone marrow program."
Eligible donors have to be ages 18-44 years old, meet general health
requirements, fill out a consent form and be under the Status of Forces
Agreement.
"The drive may be over, but people can register for bone marrow donation
at the 18th Medical Group at any time," said Tech. Sgt. Johnathan
Robinson, 18th MDSS NCO in charge of acquisition management. "We made
five matches on the island last year and it feels good to give back to
the community."
Friday, September 27, 2013
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