A free bone marrow registry drive will be held tonight at Cardines Field during the Newport Gulls game, organized by the family of Jack Palms, a 5-year-old East Greenwich boy being treated for a rare and serious bone marrow condition.
Jack has been diagnosed with Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (AAMT), a rare disorder that causes bone marrow failure, with concern that the condition may evolve into Aplastic Anemia. A blood stem cell or marrow transplant may become necessary if his marrow does not recover on its own.
A swabbing booth will be set up at Cardines Field, 20 America’s Cup Ave., starting at 5:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The process takes just a few minutes and involves a simple cheek swab. Those who join the registry could be a match not only for Jack but for any patient in need of a donor.
The drive is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 in general good health. Those 36 and older can sponsor a swab kit — each costs $60 in lab fees — by visiting swabforjack.com. Kit orders for home delivery are also available at giftoflife.org/dc/jackpalms.
