Now the high school senior and RRHS DECA President is hoping others will join the registry. Arthur along with his classmates in the local DECA Chapter is hosting a Bone Marrow Drive Wednesday, December 18 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Roanoke Rapids High School Gym Lobby.

“I was diagnosed with leukemia in February of 1999. Doctors said I would need a transplant to save my life. Luckily my sister Kallie was a perfect match and she was the donor for my transplant in 2003,” said Arthur. “All it takes to register is a swab of your cheeks and some paper work and it’s complete.”

The DECA Chapter is working with the National Bone Marrow Program to conduct the drive.  They are hoping to add at least 50 new people to the registry.

According to the National Marrow Donor Program, 75 percent of all donations are now done through a stem cell transplant, which is similar to giving blood. Only 25 percent of donations are still done through extracting bone marrow from the hip while under anesthesia.

“This idea was born in our classroom one day as a community outreach project. I’m proud of our students for organizing this event. My hope is that many lives will be saved by people joining the registry,” said Jan Tugwell, marketing instructor and DECA Advisor.

Drive participants will receive a free t-shirt and there is no cost to the individual to register. Participants must be between the ages of 18-44 to register.

Others who are unable to join the registry may still help save a life by making a donation at www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/carsonscrusaders2.