Media Resources: Press Release

Bay Federal Credit Union Sponsors “Be The Match” Registry Drive June 13

Bay Federal Employee's Donation Experience Inspires Registry Event

Bay Federal Credit Union’s Community Support Team will be holding a marrow donor registry drive in support of the Be The Match registry on Saturday, June 13 from 11am-4pm at the Capitola branch at 3333 Clares Street.

Every day, more than 6,000 patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases search the Be The Match Registry for a life-saving donor. 70% of patients will not find a match within their own family. Diverse donors are critical because patients have the best chance of finding a match within their own race. Registry members must be between the ages of 18 and 60. Registration is free and entails simply filling out a few forms and a cheek swab which will be tested and stored in a laboratory at the national registry. All information is private and confidential, and only accessible by Be The Match personnel seeking matches for patients. Donors can donate in one of two ways: Peripheral Blood Cell Donation or Bone Marrow Donation. Information about the donation process can be found at: www.bethematch.org. Online registration is also available from June 8 - 21 at: www.bethematch.org by clicking on “join the registry”, and entering the promo code of marrow2009. For more information about the registry drive, call the Be The Match registry at 800-MARROW-2 or 510-495-4021, or visit www.bethematch.org.

Bay Federal Credit Union’s Community Support Team was inspired to host a marrow registration drive by one of their own. Amy Ivey, AVP, Marketing and Development, joined the National Marrow Donor Program registry in 2004, and was contacted in the fall of 2008 as a potential donor. After undergoing additional testing, it was determined that Ivey was a perfect match for a 25 year-old man with a condition that left him with less than a year to live. Ivey underwent the marrow donation procedure in December 2008. The donation was successful, and the recipient was given an 85% chance of full recovery.

“The National Marrow Donor Program assisted me each step of the way, providing resources and information about my decision to be a marrow donor,” said Ivey. “This was perhaps the most amazing experience of my life, through the support received by family and friends and the journey of the donation process. I may never meet the recipient, but know in my heart that I gave the gift of life and hope to him and his family, which is the best reward of all!” Ivey noted that she is hopeful to meet the marrow recipient after the one-year anniversary date of the procedure.

Bay Federal Credit Union’s decision to host a Be The Match registry drive is an example of how committed the organization is to making a real difference in our community. "There are people with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases waiting now, right here on the Central Coast, for willing and able donors to join the registry. People of all ethnicities are encouraged to join us on Saturday, June 13 to help find the life-saving match these patients need,” added Ivey.

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) operates the Be The Match Registry and partners with a global network of leading hospitals, blood centers, cord blood banks and laboratories. As a leader in the field of marrow and cord blood transplantation, the NMDP facilitates transplants worldwide, conducts research to improve survival and quality of life, and provides education to patients and health care professionals. Together with its fundraising partner, Be The Match Foundation, NMDP is dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the transplant therapy they need. Since operations began in 1987, the NMDP has provided more than 35,000 transplants to help give patients a second chance at life. www.bethematch.org.

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that serves over 60,000 members and 500 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties. With over $650 million in assets, Bay Federal Credit Union is the largest member-owned financial institution on the Central Coast. Bay Federal Credit Union has been serving its members and the community for over 50 years. Bay Federal supports about 75 local organizations and schools each year and 100% of employees have performed community service for each of the last six years. www.bayfed.com.

Tonée Picard, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Bay Federal Credit Union, tpicard@bayfed.com, 831.477.8525 Patti Bond, Publicist, Bay Federal Credit Union, patti@bondmarcom.com, 831.464.7748.

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