Students at Clark Atlanta University are making strides to level the playing field in the search for bone marrow and stem cell donors, focusing on closing the racial gap that exists within the registry. According to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta, white patients have a 79% chance of finding a match, while Black patients only have a 29% chance. Spearheaded by senior Zarea Edwards, these students have created the school's initial chapter of the Gift of Life campus ambassador program to recruit more diverse donors.
"The bone marrow registry list is primarily made up of white donors," Edwards told FOX 5 Atlanta, highlighting the urgency of their mission to equalize the odds for all patients in need. The program educates students at colleges across the nation about the simplicity of the bone marrow and stem cell donation process — a mere blood donation as opposed to the common misconception of a more strenuous procedure.
Driven by her personal battle with sickle cell anemia, Edwards has undergone monthly blood transfusions for much of her life and continues the search for a match. "When I was born, I was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. It is a genetic blood disorder...from the time I was around eight to recently 19, I was getting a blood transfusion once a month…hopefully one day I can find a match," she mentioned to FOX 5 Atlanta. Along with her peers, Edwards is looking to use her medical studies to tackle the racial disparities head-on.
Recently, their commitment bore fruit with a success story right on their campus. "Recently we found a match for a 69-year-old man who was battling blood cancer. We actually found his match here on campus. I was really proud to hear that... I really just can't put into words how big this is to be able to save somebody's life," Edwards exclaimed proudly in the FOX 5 Atlanta interview. This achievement is part of a larger journey to expand the initiative to nearby institutions like Morehouse and Spelman, increasing the reach and impact of their life-saving efforts.
The life-saving implications of their venture are far-reaching, as the students' endeavors actively challenge the status quo of healthcare equity. Emboldened by the possibility of equal chances for all, they march forward in this uphill battle, carrying the torch of hope for countless individuals. For more information on the Gift of Life’s registry, members of the public are encouraged to educate themselves through Gift of Life and learn how they can contribute to this pivotal cause.
