University of Mount Olive Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in its efforts to impact the lives of not only the Mount Olive community but a far greater reach sponsored two life-changing events on campus this semester.
Co-sponsored with the Rotary Club of Mount Olive and the UMO Honors Program, SAAC hosted a Be The Match drive in the Murphy Center. Over the past 30 years Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. Be The Match is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. They also conduct research to improve transplant outcomes, provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.
Mount Olive's goal with the drive was to not only add members to the donor registry but to also raise awareness.
"Thanks to the Rotary Club of Mount Olive, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Honors Program at UMO, 146 individuals were added to the registry. Hopefully, there will be a match to help save a life by all these efforts. Thanks to everyone who planned, worked, registered and told a friend," said Vice President for Enrollment Barbara Kornegay.
For more information on the National Donor Program or to join the donor registry go to www.bethematch.org
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also hosted its annual blood drive with the American Red Cross inside the Pope Wellness Center. SAAC was able to collect 29 donations during the drive and nearly reached their goal of 35. A single blood donation can help save up to three lives according to the Red Cross.
"We had another successful blood drive and very happy to know that we are helping to save lives. Volunteering at an American Red Cross Blood Drive is more than just giving your time; it's knowing that you are giving someone another day that they possibly would not have seen," said Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman's Administrator LaToya Lindsey.
To find the nearest blood drive or for more information of the American Red Cross go to www.redcrossblood.org