The bone marrow drive hosted by Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and Jo Huntsinger’s anatomy class is set to take place 3:30-7 p.m. April 28-30 in the cafeteria.

On the same day as Showtime, the drive is targeted toward the adult population (you must be at least 18 years old to participate) and minority donors, although anyone who meets the requirements to donate is welcome. This is because patients are more likely to find matches within their racial or ethnic groups.

It will be the second year for the drive to occur during Showtime.

“If we do it during that time when people are coming in because people get here early for Showtime…they can quickly swab [their cheek], it’s a very fast rotation, and then they can just go stand in line like they normally would for Showtime,” pre-med teacher Jennifer Hare said.

Bone marrow transplants are needed for patients with various blood cancers including leukemia and sickle cell anemia. For many of these patients, transplants are the only option for recovery.

Because transplants are many patients’ only hope, donors are asked to be fully committed to donating bone marrow. They can do this by calling back quickly, considering giving a blood sample for further testing and considering donating bone marrow to the patient if a match is found.

“I started just volunteering last year with the bone marrow drive,” sophomore HOSA member Diamonique Vann said. “And I really found it interesting that anyone could just save a life any time.”