Bone marrow drive

The stories of individuals in Southeast Missouri taking leadership roles to help those with serious health needs are always heartwarming. And another recent example of local compassion could be found Tuesday when a bone marrow drive was held in Cape Girardeau.

Match Registry, a national foundation operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, charges potential bone marrow donors $100 to register to donate. However, Emily LaValle, the former president of the Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society Alliance, presented the alliance with information on a potential bone marrow drive, and the organization decided to cover the charge for those wishing to donate.

The bone marrow drive committee had a goal of recruiting 50 bone marrow donors Tuesday. And according to Denise Salmon, chairwoman of the committee, the event was a success. Salmon said 71 individuals were registered and about 15 others volunteered but didn't meet the criteria for donating.

Salmon said the drive was well received by the community. "We live in a very caring community. The response was more than we had expected for the first time and [we] were pleasantly surprised," Salmon said. She said the group hopes to have another drive in the future, possibly next year.

The Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society Alliance, organizers and donors should all be commended for their willingness to help those in need.