BlueOx Credit Union Hosts Bone Marrow & Organ Donor Registry Drive

BlueOx Credit Union is taking a unique approach to 2017’s International Credit Union Day theme of “Dreams Thrive Here,” staging bone marrow and organ, eye and tissue donor registry drives at each BlueOx branch on Oct. 19.

In conjunction with the Be the Match and Gift of Life organizations, BlueOx will be registering individuals in the Gift of Life registry with the Secretary of State, as well as accepting individuals ages 18-44 to join the Be the Match bone marrow registry via a quick process which includes the gathering of a cheek swab sample. Be the Match actively seeks donors ages 18-44 at drives because doctors have determined this age group provides the best transplant success rate and outcome for patients. Individuals from the BlueOx board and staff, as well as the community are lending a hand to run drives simultaneously at the four BlueOx offices: Battle Creek, Albion, Coldwater and Sterling Heights.

Several BlueOx staff and board members have had an up-close view of the life-saving importance donors represent. Siblings and grandchildren of employees, as well as board members have had their dreams thrive, thanks to the selflessness of another individual or family. In November of 2015, BlueOx employee, Stacy Fate’s grandson Landyn Cooley, was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy and began what would become nearly a six-month stay at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Hospital. A donor heart was located and transplanted in March, and after much rehabilitation, Landyn was released in May of 2016. Today, Landyn is a happy and healthy six-year old. “Receiving Landyn’s diagnosis was devastating; as I am sure the news of losing a loved one was to the donor’s family. The fact that they made such a selfless decision at such a dark time is not lost on us. We have nothing but immense gratitude for the second chance Landyn has been given,” said Stacy.