FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Johnson & Wales University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Student Government Association (SGA) co-sponsored a Be A Match Registry on November 12 to HELP bring awareness to the campus regarding bone marrow donation.
Members of both organizations worked with the Rhode Island Blood Center at two locations – Schneider Auditorium and the Wildcat Center. Over 130 members of the JWU community, including several student-athletes, signed up to be a match.
It was a proud moment for men’s ice hockey goalie Joey Ballmer.
"When I heard about the event on campus, all I could think about was my uncle," he said. "My family is so close and when someone stepped forward to donate their bone marrow to give my uncle a second chance at life, I saw her as a hero. The joy that brought to me and my family is endless and I hope that I am able to give someone that second chance at life and bring that same joy to another family."
"It was great to see such an enthusiastic outpouring of support from the JWU community,"said Recruitment Supervisor Jennifer St. Peter. "The students did a wonderful job of educating their peers about the need for more donors and the donor process. I’m looking forward to working with them again!"
Anyone who missed the event can register at any of the blood drives held on campus throughout the year.