JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Delete Blood Cancer, together with the family and friends of Russell Buckland, organized a bone marrow donor drive. The goal of the drive is to register as many potential bone marrow donors as possible, who can help save the life of Buckland and other patients like him.
"I went to high school with Russell, and so did Bishop Mckissick Jr. with Bethel Baptisti Institutional church, and we are trying to do everything we can to help him in his cancer fight," said Jim Rine who is helping to organize the event.
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Buckland and his 13-year-old son share a strong bond and recently his son had his head shaved to show love and support for his dad, who is undergoing chemotherapy. They are asking for the community's help to find a perfect match.
"Delete Blood Cancer DKMS does not receive government funding. We are solely dependent on donations from companies, local businesses, private foundations and individuals to help us finance the $65 registration cost for each new bone marrow donor," said Rine.
Buckland, a 47-year-old father who graduated from Terry Parker High School, was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). His only chance for survival is to receive a life-saving bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor.
"Please join us on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Terry Parker High School cafe to help build awareness. It's as easy as one cheek swab" said Rine.
For those unable to register the day of the event, you can still support the Russell Buckland Friends For Life Bone Marrow Drive by registering on-line to receive an at-home swab kit.
Please go to DeleteBloodCancer.org and click "Register as a Donor Online."