Base hosts bone marrow registration drive

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 432d Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AFB Nev. (ACCNS) --  Members of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech AFB, Nev., partnered with the Candlelighters of Southern Nevada to host a bone marrow registration drive Oct. 22 at Creech AFB. 

The bone marrow drive was inspired by 3-year-old Ethan Freer, son of Captain Ben Freer, 15th RS, pilot, who currently is diagnosed with high-risk stage four Neuroblastoma cancer. 

Ethan was diagnosed at the end of August 2008. According to the American Cancer Website, Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that starts in certain types of very primitive developing nerve cells found in an embryo or fetus. This type of cancer occurs in infants and young children. It is rarely found in children older than 10 years. 

"He had a leg that hurt," Captain Freer said. "He had some high fevers and after taking him to several different doctors a blood test was done and he was diagnosed."
The idea to hold a bone marrow drive on base began with Captain Freer approaching his unit. 

"Just being around the cancer patients where my son is being treated made me feel that this would be a good cause for kids out there everywhere who could possibly benefit from more eligible donors," Captain Freer said. "If one person matches, then you really are saving a life." 

Captain Freer said he knows Ethan has the courage to overcome his illness. 

"He's very outgoing, he tries to make everyone happy. He is full of energy and through this whole process he's been full of hope and courage," Captain Freer said. "He's the bravest little boy I've ever met." 

The captain added that the best way for people to know Ethan's progress is to go to a Web site created for him. By going to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanfreer , people can track Ethan's progress. 

"His Web site is pretty honest," Captain Freer said. "The more people out there praying for him to do well the better." 

Tech. Sgt. Robin Stegge, 15th RS, NCO in charge of commander's support staff, along with Captain Freer and other members of the 15th RS, worked to hold the bone marrow drive at various locations throughout the base. 

"As a unit we wanted to do as much as we can to help out," said Sergeant Stegge.
"I'm volunteering my time because I have two young children of my own and I would hope that if something like this happened to them that others would do the same for me," Sergeant Stegge said. 

The multiple locations and times allowed for as many base personnel as possible to register for the drive. 

Personnel who register complete basic contact information paperwork and then are given four cotton swabs for their cheek and gums. The swabs collect saliva for the initial tissue typing. During a donor search, if the initial tissue typing shows to be a potential donor match, the individual is contacted to provide a blood sample to ensure 100 percent compatibility, explained Angela Berg, Candlelighters of Southern Nevada, director of programs and services. 

The Candlelighters organization provides support, education, hope and advocacy through programs and services for children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the professionals who care for them. Candlelighters of Southern Nevada began 30 years ago and has been conducting bone marrow registration drives for the past 15 months. 

"The reason Candlelighters have become involved is because the marrow donor program as a whole didn't have an office in Nevada," Ms. Berg said. "We had kids who didn't have (bone marrow) matches and we wanted to get the word out. It's a simple as a cheek sample that saves lives." 

Captain Freer said the bone marrow drive is just another way his squadron has shown him and his family support. 

"The squadron is behind the whole family, which is important," Captain Freer said.
Ms. Berg said the experience of working with the base was fantastic. 

"It was awesome. We were really able to get education out there. All we had to do is show up with the supplies and everyone was so motivated, but who wouldn't be motivated after looking at Ethan's picture," Ms. Berg said. "This is the perfect audience of people to repeat what they have learned and to spread the message on how easy it is to save a life." 

The next and final bone marrow registration drive being held at Creech will be Oct. 29. For more information on the Candlelighters of Southern Nevada, go to http://www.candlelightersnv.org/index.cfm .