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Singing River Partners with Team Cate to Host Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drives 

Singing River Health System is partnering with Team Cate to host bone marrow donor registration drives on Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at all Singing River hospital café locations, encouraging community members to take a simple step that could save a life.

The event aims to raise awareness about the need for bone marrow donors while helping eligible individuals join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry through a quick, painless cheek swab. The donor drives are inspired by Cate Hargett, an 11-year-old Mississippi native who urgently needs a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder at just 2 months old, Cate has spent her life courageously battling bone marrow failure. Now, doctors at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified a significant TP53 mutation, placing her at an increased risk of developing cancer. Her medical team is closely monitoring her condition and has determined that a bone marrow transplant is urgently needed before malignancy develops.

“Bone marrow transplantation is a critical, life-saving treatment for many patients with serious blood disorders and cancers,” said Dr. Randy Roth, Chief Medical Officer at Singing River Health System.” Cate’s story reminds us that behind every search for a donor is a child, a family, and a future worth fighting for. We encourage everyone who is eligible to stop by, learn more about bone marrow donation and consider joining the registry. You could be the match someone is desperately waiting for.”

According to the National Marrow Donor Program, approximately 70% of patients who need a stem cell transplant do not have a matching donor within their own family and must rely on volunteer donors from national registries. The National Institutes of Health estimates that one in 200 Americans will require a stem cell transplant during their lifetime.

Community members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry during the July 17 event.

Those unable to attend the donor drive can still register from home:

  • Individuals ages 18-35 can text TeamCate to 61474 to register with the National Marrow Donor Program and request a free swab kit.
  • Individuals ages 18-55 can request a free swab kit through DKMS by visiting DKMS.org/swabforcate.