Houston Athletics partners with NMDP to raise awareness and funds for blood stem cell donations during the Sept. 12 football game against Southern. Head Coach Donn Landholm, a cancer survivor who benefited from the NMDP registry, will meet his stem cell donor at the event. Fans can participate by signing up for the donor registry and receiving a cheek swab. This initiative is designed to help patients with blood cancers and disorders find life-saving transplants, as 75% of patients cannot find a match within their family. NMDP has surpassed 150,000 transplants over 40 years, marking a significant milestone in their mission.

By the Numbers
  • 18,500 patients diagnosed yearly with blood cancers or disorders may need a transplant.
  • 75% of patients lack a fully matched donor in their family and turn to NMDP for help.
  • NMDP has facilitated over 150,000 transplants in nearly 40 years.
State of Play
  • NMDP's donor drive will occur at Houston's second home game on Sept. 12.
  • Fans can get their cheeks swabbed to be registered as potential donors.
  • Coach Landholm will meet his stem cell donor during this event, highlighting personal recovery and community support.
What's Next

As the partnership continues, Houston Athletics plans to further engage the community to increase donor registrations at future events. Potential expansion of the partnership with NMDP could enhance visibility for the need for blood stem cell donations. Continuing awareness efforts might lead to more patients finding life-saving matches.

Bottom Line

This collaboration between Houston Athletics and NMDP not only highlights an impactful personal story but also emphasizes the critical need for blood donors. Raising awareness during high-profile events can significantly contribute to saving lives, reinforcing the idea that every fan could potentially be a life-saver.