By:Jason Scheer
On Tuesday, Feb. 15, The Friends of Chris and the Baldwin Parent/Teachers Association will be hosting a blood drive to identify a potential donor. The drive will be held at the Baldwin District Offices, Hastings Street, from 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Valerie Markert, Chris' wife, hopes that this drive will be the last one necessary and that a donor will be found. She explained that, unlike blood donations, bone marrow transplant recipients much be matched to a specific donor with similar genetic makeup.
Valerie Markert and the couple's two daughters have been working feverishly to find a donor since Chris was diagnosed with Leukemia last July, reaching out for help wherever they could find it. They scoured the national blood registry and attended locally-sponsored blood drives. Their efforts, thus far, have come up short.
That's why coming out to the drive is so important, she explained. The more people that show up, the more likely the family is to find a match.
"We hope everyone who can, will come get tested," she said. "The more opportunities you have, the better chances you have."
She acknowledged that some people are apprehensive to give blood. However, she explained that the blood test procedure, one that she has become all too familiar with, is quick and painless. It's a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure. If more people knew how streamlined the procedure actually was, Markert believes more people would participate in the blood drive.
To that end, she credits the Baldwin PTA for distributing educational material to parents and staff.
"The PTA is really helping by sending out educational material," she said. "The biggest part is understanding. I think if they realized that it is not painful, more people would come out."
Dorinda Spinelli, a PTA representative, echoed that statement. " The biggest [difficulty] is filling out the paperwork," Spinelli said.
Spinelli explained that the blood drive, with the help of Long Island Blood Services, is a public drive and all people will be entered into the national registry. Thus, people who aren't a match for Chris Markert might be able to help someone else in need. But hearts and minds are on Markert's health.
"One thing about the Baldwin community," Spinelli said," is when there is someone or something or some cause to undertake, the community pulls together and does what it can to help out."
Spinelli urges people to tell their friends, family members and neighbors about the blood drive.
"We need to get the word out," she said. "Who knows when this opportunity will come along again."
It is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of a neighbor, Chris Markert, and his family.
"Obviously, the difference is life or death," Valerie Markert said. "It will save his life if we can find somebody who matches him."
Babysitting is available and walk-ins are welcome.
To be eligible to give blood, donors must be 17 to 76 years of age and bring a valid ID and social security number. Other criteria include a minimum weight of 110 pounds and no tattooing in the past 12 months. Before giving blood be sure to eat a good low fat meal and drink plenty of fluids.
