The Marrow Drive was a HUGE Success...

The Bone Marrow Drive sponsored by the Warwick Firefighters Soccer Club last Saturday was an overwhelming success.  Over a hundred people entered the marrow donor registry...amazing

There was a non-stop line of people from moment the drive kicked off at 8:30 a.m until the marrow program closed up shop at 1:00 p.m. - a full half hour later than scheduled to accommodate all of the people who supported the effort marrow drive effort.

Highlights of the day included:

• The entire Lesley  women's soccer team showing up to support Sarah (a Lesley alum) by joining the registry
• Scouts from local  packs and troops dressed in uniform to keep things running smoothly
• Warwick Firefighter Soccer Club volunteers organizing the event and encouraging soccer families to participate in the drive
• Sue's special visit at the fence - and a huge greeting from all of her fans
• An unbelievable outpouring of support from a caring community

If  you missed the chance to join us at the field, you can still enter the registry.  You can join the marrow donor program by visiting any RI Blood Center location...and while you're there, maybe donate a pint of blood. 

Next up?  The spaghetti supper fund raising dinner on May19th!

Lots of people approached me to ask how they could help...stayed tuned for a bunch of ways that YOU can pitch in.

A Great Day Awaits. . .Marrow Drive @ Winslow Field for Susan TOMORROW

A woman in great spirits awaiting her marrow match?

Check...

Spring Saturday morning with a promise to be rain-free?

Check...

Educational programs presented by the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society of RI?

Check..

A ton of friends and volunteers stepping up to make the day a huge success?

Check...

The Mayor of Warwick in attendance to show his support?

Check...

The most important person...YOU...at the drive tomorrow?

Hoping we can put a check there, too.

We are ready for a hugely sucessful day for Susan tomorrow.  Everyone who joins the Marrow Donor program tomorrow will enjoy a complimentary treat, courtesy of Dave's Marketplace.  Every new entrant into the program will also be entered into a drawing to win one of two  lunch or dinner certificates generously donated by Panera Bread.

We will also be selling tickets for our May 19th spaghetti supper between the hours of 9 am to 11 am.  Stop by the table, reserve your spot and pay with cash, credit or check payable to WFFSC.

I spoke with Susan today.  She was hoping to attend but her blood work shows she probably should keep a low profile.  Jack and the kids will be there.  If you see them, be sure to say hello.

Rain or Shine - The Marrow Drive is happening on THIS Saturday

The Warwick Fire Fighters Soccer Club is thrilled to host the Marrow Donor Program at Winslow Field to find Susan's match.

Spring in New England is always a little unpredictable. You can never be sure what Mother Nature has in store for the weekend weather, but come rain or shine...

The show will go on!

We have sheltered tents to protect us from any passing rain showers or bright, hot sunshine for the brief amount of time needed to do your cheek swab. 

Remember to bring your ID and your health insurance card, if you have one (RI health insurance companies cover the cost of entering a member into the marrow registry according to the information that Jack Groh has heard).  Again there is absolutely no money out of pocket required for you to participate - even if you don't have health coverage, the Marrow Program will absorb the cost of the swab test from a fund that been set up for this very reason.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm

April 21st

SATURDAY

Join the Bone Marrow Donor Program for Susan...The not-so-scary story

Bone - Marrow - Donation...sounds a bit scary doesn't it?  Isn't marrow deep down inside your bones? 

Yes...and Yes.


It does sound scary and marrow is a pretty amazing part of our bodies located inside our bones.

The scary part is not knowing exactly what's involved with being a bone marrow donor...

What's it all about?

Bone marrow, simply put, makes cells that keep our blood healthy and help us fight off any sickness that might come along.  When a person's bone marrow gets "sick" with leukemia, the cells stop working the way they should.  There are different types of leukemia.  Each type can require a different approach.

Susan Groh has AML - acute myeloid leukemia - and her marrow just isn't acting the way it should. The doctors want to replace her not-so-good marrow cells with some beautiful, healthy marrow cells.  But - she needs a match...someone who's cells will get along with the make-up of Susan's body.  

Susan needs a match.

Be the Match...

The test to see if you're a match?


  Painless.  Just a cotton swab along the inside of your cheeck.

Where could you do the test?

 The Marrow Donor Program is coming to Winslow Soccer field on April 21st! 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

The cost to you?  ZERO

Bring your health insurance card and ID.  Most health insurance plans cover the test and if your coverage doesn't, there is a fund that will cover your costs.

What if you are THE match?

80% of the time the cells can be donated through a procedure that is similar to a blood donation and can take place at the blood center. 

This donation method is the one that Susan's doctor has indicated is the most likely option for her.

20% of the time, the procedure takes place in medical facility...

With either approach, recovery is less than one day.


One day of your life to possibly give thousands of days to Susan's life.

It's simple. 

Please come to Bone Marrow Drive on the 21st.

Susan is the first person to step up when someone is in need; a devoted mother and wife who invests time in making a positive difference. She is married to long-time Warwick Fire Fighter coaching director, Jack Groh. Together, they run the environmental program for the NFL where Susan’s work has provided hundreds of thousands of books and pieces of sports equipment for needy kids. She has planted school gardens, run school events, coached for WFFSC, served on the board of Volunteers of Warwick Schools, and been active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

 Susan was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.

Susan has an urgent need for a bone marrow donation to successfully treat her AML.

She has been treated at Miriam Hospital and her doctors believe a bone marrow/stem cell transplant is her best hope going forward. She would love the opportunity to continue making a positive difference in her family and community. A matching donor would make that possible.




Susan with her family

 



Jack and Susan



Please join us in waging the battle against her disease!

How can you help?

• Attend the Bone Marrow Drive on April 21st (details below)

• Attend our Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser - May 19th (details below)
• Tickets are limited!  Reserve your seating time soon...4pm, 5pm or 6pm
• Payment via credit card or PayPal through the link on the top of the page

• Donate a great, new item for our gift baskets to be silent auctioned the night of the Spaghetti Supper
• Beach items, gardening tools, outdoor toys, gift cards, coffee - be creative!
• Drop-off your items any Saturday morning at Winslow Soccer field (or call Ray @741.5906 to arrange for pick-up)

Volunteer!

Adults and children alike can lend a hand...share your talent and your time!

Servers at the supper, hosts at the marrow drive, gift basket wrappers, a welcoming face at the check-in table, host and hostesses for dinner seatings..

WE NEED YOU!

Please email Stephanie at matchforsusan@gmail.com with when you can help.

We have some fun community events planned to support the Groh family's needs - and to find a bone marrow match for Susan.

Mark your calendar!

Bone Marrow Drive

April 21st @ Winslow Field, Warwick (off Main Avenue)

8:30 - 12:30

We will have the the National Marrow Donor Program team on-site conducting a drive to find someone that will have a stem cell match with Susan.

It's a quick and simple procedure - just a quick swipe of the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab. No blood donation required!

Questions about cheek swab collection?  Click this link below to find out what's involved...

Fact vs. Fiction - Click the link!

Becoming a donor...

Cheek swab kits will be collected during the drive - no need to mail them in!

Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser
to assist with Susan Groh's medical costs
May 19th @ Greenwood Elementary School
93 Sharon Street
4 - 7pm

Tickets are limited and will go quickly- Please reserve ASAP!

Three seatings:  4pm, 5pm and 6pm
Take -out window: 4 - 5:30 (Bring your own container)
Ticket pricing:  Under 3 - Free
Children 4 - 12 / Seniors: $5
Adults (13 and over): $7
Take-out (one order): $7

Support Susan - Win BIG!
50/50 raffle and Silent Auction tickets will be sold at the dinner

Purchase your tickets securely via the link at the top of the page via credit card or PayPal.

• You will not receive a paper ticket.  Your name will be confirmed at check-in.

Please print your receipt for added convenience

Tickets can also be purchased with cash or check @ Winslow field on May 5th or May 12th 9-11am


Please post  your comments and words of encouragement for Susan...

Check back often for updates!