Published on Show Me Mizzou Dec. 19, 2024
Story by Blaire Leible Garwitz, MA ’06
Marching Mizzou is famous for energizing football crowds, but behind the scenes, the band is also saving lives.
Marching Mizzou Director Amy Knopps regularly organizes events where band members can sign up to donate blood stem cells through NMDP (formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program and Be the Match). This effort is crucial because 70% of blood cancer patients lack a family match and depend on the donor registry. At the most recent registration drive, more than 300 Marching Mizzou members signed up.
One of those members, clarinet player Luke Lindberg, BS ’24, ended up making a lifesaving donation. “Luke left our spring band concert a little early this year because he needed to catch a flight to Cincinnati to make his donation,” Knopps says. “It was so exciting that he matched! I’m proud of him and all the students who signed up as donors.”
The decision to sign up for the registry was an easy one for Lindberg. His sister had needed a transplant years earlier and didn’t have a family match. “A donor on the NMDP registry saved her life,” says Lindberg, now a graduate student in math. “I wanted to give back and possibly save a life, too.”
Marching Mizzou isn’t alone in supporting NMDP. Around 15 years ago, a University of South Carolina band member was diagnosed with blood cancer and didn’t have a match. “Band directors across the country realized they have an opportunity to make a difference,” says Matt Kroeger, NMDP’s senior manager of programs and partnerships. “It’s an easy lift for them to open their doors and allow our team members to come talk about our donor program.” Kroeger adds that the NMDP’s partnership with the College Band Directors National Association has provided what he calls “tremendous results and hope.”
Signing up for the registry is simple, and a cheek swab is all it takes. Once tested, potential donors are added to the registry to await a possible match.
“From the moment you find out you’re a match, we provide you with emotional support and cover any expenses relating to your donation because you’re a hero to us, our patients, and their families,” says Tracie Howell, an account manager for NMDP who helped run the Mizzou drive.
To sign up, visit nmdp.org. You must be between 18 and 40 because younger donors lead to better survival outcomes.
“You could potentially save a life,” Lindberg says. “Maybe it’s a complete stranger to you, but to someone else it’s a close family member or a best friend.”
To read more articles like this, become a Mizzou Alumni Association member and receive MIZZOU magazine in your mailbox. Click here to join.
