People interested in being added to a registry of potential bone marrow donors can sign up for free at an event on June 10 sponsored by Memorial Health System.

The usual $52 fee to become a registered bone marrow donor is being waived for the event, which will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on June 10 at Memorial Adminstrative Center, 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave. The process involves a swab inside the cheek, which is later used for matching purposes.

The event also includes a blood drive, but giving blood is not required to register as a bone marrow donor.

Bone marrow donations often mean life or death for critically ill patients, and one local family’s young child is currently in need of one.

Memorial employs two physical therapists whose son, Liam, is undergoing chemotherapy at a Cincinnati hospital for a rare blood disorder called HLH. A bone marrow transplant is the only cure. So far, no match has been found.

Once on the national registry of bone marrow donors, a person may be called about donating if someone in need is shown to be a match for their marrow. At that time, he or she can decide to proceed or can decline.

For more information on signing up for the registry or giving blood, call Memorial Health System Blood Donor Center at 365-5411.

Photo by