The bone marrow registration day that took place on campus last week set a record for the number of donors in a single drive held in New Hampshire. 197 people, students, faculty and townspeople came out to register to become donors and raise awareness about the importance of becoming a donor. The drive was run in the honor of baby Giovanni, the face of the drive and hopeful recipient of a bone marrow transplant.
Roughly half of the donors were Plymouth State University students and faculty members. Annie Brown was the organizer of the drive and is also a business owner in Campton, N.H. “When I contacted the school about doing the drive, the students were very enthusiastic. I was really impressed by the number of students who turned out to support this cause,” said Brown. “Plymouth was a great central location for students and townspeople, and it facilitated a lot of interested and involvement.”
When asked what other drives were taking place in the area and the future of bone marrow drive support, Brown said, “Basically, everything is evolving. Giovanni’s family is going to be starting a non-profit organization to help build up the National Registry of donors and stimulate awareness about Giovanni’s condition. There are other colleges getting involved and there will be another drive in Rochester on May 12.”
Anyone who is interested in registering to donate at the Rochester drive is welcome to, and can contact Brown at her business address:
Annie BrownTown and Forest RealtyP.O. Box 1732Campton, NH 03223