Bone marrow drive coming to Red Oak

 A Red Oak man with a rare life-threatening disease turned to his family when he first learned he needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. 

Unfortunately, he didn’t find a match. 

However, Ryan Trumble was fortunate as he did find a match through the international Be The Match program, co-sponsored by the University of Iowa. 

To help increase the program’s ranks, Trumble and his family will be hosting a bone marrow registry drive Friday at the Red Oak Elks Lodge from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Anyone between the ages of 18-44 is encouraged to stop by the Elks Lodge at 519 N. 1st St. and register through a cheek swab. 

Genetic information obtained through the swab will be added to the Iowa Marrow Donor Program and the international Be The Match registry. 

Trumble was diagnosed with Myeldysplastic syndrome and is expected to undergo a bone marrow transplant in March. 

According to the University of Iowa, about 70 percent of patients needing a bone marrow transplant find a match outside of their family. 

Tax-deductible donations will also be accepted Friday to help maintain and update the registry. 

For more information, call 319-356-3337 or visit bethematch.org.