Non-profit organization encourages South Florida community to donate bone marrow

Miami Beach, Florida – On Thursday morning a non-profit organization gathered outside of Miami Beach Police headquarters to encourage the community to consider donating bone marrow to help save those in need.

“For many, a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant offers hope of a cure,” says Gift of Life Marrow Registry Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg.

According to Feinberg, the Gift of Life Marrow Registry is encouraging people to sign up to be a bone marrow donor, as well as stressing the need for diversifying the ethnic makeup of their registry.

“Currently, only 45 percent of Latino patients and 25 percent of black patients can find a match,” says Feinberg.

Finding a match is also critical.

Gift of Life Marrow Registry has cured people facing life-threatening illness for over 30 years.

“I’m so grateful for him for giving me a second chance to live,” says Amir, who was born with a rare autoimmune disease. He battled other ailments up until his teenage years.

Amir got the chance to embrace his donor and thank him for the act of kindness Today.

“To be here three years later, meeting my donor, it’s really something different,” says Amir. “It’s like I owe my whole life to him.”

Following the press conference, people were spotted lining up in order to donate bone marrow by signing up to be a donor with the organization. It’s as simple as swabbing your mouth and finding out if you are a match.