Due to the overwhelming response of Point Loma Nazarene University students, faculty and staff to a bone marrow donation drive on Jan. 31, the San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) will sponsor a dual donation, for blood and bone marrow, at PLNU on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Rec Room.

According to Wellness Center Director Jim Coil, there were a number of students, faculty and staff who were not able to participate in the previous drive, which was held to try to help Cynthia Colello, a PLNU alumnus battling leukemia.

“When it became clear of Cynthia’s diagnosis, we wanted to do this,” said Coil. “When something hits close to home, we want to respond.”

Cynthia, who returned home for treatment last fall, enjoyed hanging out with friends, participating in school plays, and attending live theatre productions while at Point Loma. Her continuing joy and perseverance has been a testimony to family and friends.

“Her heart’s incredible,” said her father Jim Colello. “Most of the time she’s blessing the nurses and thanking the doctors.”

Jim says that Cynthia’s condition is critical but she continues to have a positive, hopeful attitude. Many students chose to participate in the initial drive in hopes of saving Cynthia’s life through a bone marrow match and subsequent transplant.

“There were 80 to 100 people in the lines all day long,” said Coil. He estimates that the drive saw close to 500 participants, who had their donor eligibility evaluated. Of those, 260 individuals were added to the national registry, meaning that they will be notified if their bone marrow is a match for anyone who needs a transplant.

“I think who we are as a campus community is really showing forth in the students, faculty and staff who all came together, and how we can respond by living out our faith.” said Coil.

PLNU was already scheduled to have SDBB on campus for one of the two annual blood drives in which the university participates. Though the blood bank and marrow donation program are housed in the same place, they are two separate entities. Coil added that SDBB representatives believe this to be the first dual donation drive in San Diego County.

“I’m praying for a miracle,” said Jim, who is desperate to find Cynthia a bone marrow match. “But I have to do everything humanly possible to help her.”

If you are interested in participating in the bone marrow or blood drive, you can register online at www.sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling (619) 849-2574 or (800) 469-7322.



Eric Yates
Media Relations Officer
(619) 849-7186
eyates@pointloma.edu


Maile Cerizo contributed to this story.