TACOMA – A Washington State Patrol Trooper is hoping to find a one-in-a-million stem cell match to help her survive multiple myeloma.
In 2012, WSP Trooper Renee Padgett was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells. After a stem-cell transplant in 2013, Padgett went into remission. But it didn’t last long. In January, the cancer returned and was more aggressive than before. Her best chance of survival now is a stem cell donor. The odds of finding a matching stem cell donor are one-in-a-million but Padgett’s family, including her two children, think a match can be found.
To help, the Washington State Department of Transportation is holding the bone marrow and blood drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Washington State Department of Transportation facility, 11211 – 41st Ave SW, in Tacoma.
Cascade Regional Blood Services will be on site, ready to take blood donations. Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, will also be on site, swabbing potential marrow donors between the ages 18-44 only. Individuals 45 years or older may apply for a swabbing kit online at www.bethematch.org. Be The Match manages the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world.
For more information contact Amy Morrison, Team Padgett Volunteer, at 253-230-7696.
