Sound Senior Staff Writer

When a bone marrow donor is optimally matched to a blood cancer patient, there is a cure. That’s why it’s so critical to have as many people as possible join the National Marrow Donor Program. And, while only one in about 540 who register may go on to donate, joining “Team Be the Match” helps up the odds.

Now, friends and fans of local OBGYN Dr. Howard Simon are spreading the word on how easy it is to register; and encouraging eligible donors to come to a special “Be the Match” Marrow Registry Drive set for Sept. 24, 4 — 8 p.m., at Branford Community House.

The event, sponsored by County OBGYN of Branford, honors practice member Dr. Simon, a local OBGYN of more than 35 years. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June, Dr. Simon is responding well to chemotherapy while working with the Smilow Cancer Hospital Transplant Team to find a Stem Cell Donor, after no family or friends provided a match.

His family and friends want to emphasize how easy it is – just a quick swab inside the cheek – to become registered (please bring your health insurance card). Each sample is then tissue typed and the results added to the national registry. The Branford drive is seeking registrants between the ages of 18 – 44.

County OBGYN is sponsoring a Marrow Donor Registry Drive Thurs. Sept. 24, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Branford Community House, 46 Church St. Ages 18 -44; please bring your insurance card. For more information or to make a donation visit www.BeTheMatchFoundation.org/goto/ribloodcenter