Photo Courtesy Diana Ramirez | Israel Rios (Secretary), Zaida Salinas (member), Diana Ramirez(President), Leticia Mondragon and Shelby Rios (NMDP Staff.)
The University National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) chapter will host Halloween themed fundraisers this week to raise money and awareness for patients battling blood cancers and other blood disorders.NMDP plans to sell lemonade, cake pops and cookies while encouraging students to learn about blood stem cell donation.
NMDP President Diana Ramirez said the organization helps patients find potential donors who could save their lives.
“It helps patients with blood cancer and blood disorders [and] finds cures to sell therapy,” Ramirez said.
The organization also wants to increase donor representation among Hispanic communities,
where patients can face greater challenges finding compatible donors.
Ramirez said educating UTRGV students could help more patients find a match.
NMDP Historian Stephen Vela said his experience volunteering at Driscoll Children’s Hospital
motivated him to raise awareness.
“I think that’s why it’s really important to know about how you can get involved and volunteer, and that’s why I do it, because I think about those little kinds and hope that by spreading awareness and by promoting our NMDP chapter that I’m able to make a difference in those kids’ lives, ” Vela said.
NMDP Vice President Leslie Martinez said the chapter also hopes to raise enough money to support future student leaders and keep the organization active after current officers graduate.
She added students do not need a medical background or donor registration to join the organization.
This week NMDP will host their fundraisers from now to 2 p.m. until Wednesday at the Edinburg Library Courtyard.
Students can find more information about NMDP on their V Link page or by visiting their instagram at UTRGV NMDP.
This is Emilio Suarez for Vaquero Radio
