Marrow donor drive Saturday at INBC
This Saturday, the Inland Northwest Blood Center is joining more than 80 communities across the country in the “Thanks, Mom! National Marrow Donor Drive.”
The center hopes to sign up at least 300 local volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program registry from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the blood center, 210 W. Cataldo Ave. in Spokane.
“Thousands of patients with life-threatening diseases need bone marrow transplants and do not find a donor in their own family,” said Laura Oiland, marrow program supervisor. “We can all say, ‘Thanks, Mom’ by joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry.”
Siblings are the most likely match between a marrow donor and recipient. Nevertheless, 70 percent of patients in need will not find a suitable match among relatives. These patients can turn to the registry to seek a match.
Anyone age 18 to 60 who meets the health guidelines and is committed to helping a stranger in need can join the registry by filling out a form. A swab of cheek cells will be taken to determine the tissue type to be matched.
For more information, contact the Inland Northwest Blood Center at (509) 232-4492 or (800) 423-0151, ext. 4222, or National Marrow Donor Program at 1 (800) MARROW-2.
Heart Walk on Saturday
As many as 1,000 people are expected to show up for the 2006 Spokane Heart Walk on Saturday, according to a spokeswoman for the Pacific Mountain Affiliate of the American Heart Association.
Those wishing to participate in the 3-mile walk to raise funds for the association can register until the 10 a.m. start in Riverfront Park.
“Whether personally, or through someone else, everybody knows someone affected by cardiovascular disease,” said regional director Karen Evans. “That’s what makes it so important for Spokane to participate.”
After the walk, Jared Fogle, the Subway guy, will be on hand to pass out sandwiches, pose for photos and sign autographs.
To register online in advance, go to www.heartwalk.kintera.org/spokane. For more information, call (509) 536-1500, or send an e-mail to karen.evans@heart.org. The Spokane Heart Walk is presented by Premera Blue Cross and Deaconess Medical Center and sponsored nationally by Subway.
Eating disorders
A discussion about eating disorders will be Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Providence Auditorium, 20 W. Ninth Ave.
Local health-care professionals will be on hand to answer questions about anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas about creating community programs to provide support and treatment.
For information or to register, call (509)232-8138.
Asthma awareness walk
The American Lung Association of Washington is looking for walkers to participate in this year’s Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk on May 20 at Mirabeau Park in Spokane Valley.
Captains are forming teams to raise money for the American Lung Association and to raise awareness about asthma, an illness affecting one in 10 families in Washington state.
Participants can sign up now and right up until the start of the 5-kilometer event. There is no registration fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, call (509) 325-6516 or visit www.alaw.org.
Gardening for good health
Group Health invites families to participate in “Gardening for Good Health” on May 20 at the Washington State University – Spokane County Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana St.
The free program, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes presentations by Group Health experts and avid gardeners Sarah Fitzpatrick, M.D., and Craig Smith about the mental and physical benefits of gardening.
The program is sponsored by Group Health’s district advisory group. Partners include WSU Extension’s Spokane County Master Gardener Program, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Spokane Regional Health District, Northwest Seed and River Ridge Hardware.
For information, call Group Health Resource Line at (800) 992-2279.