Hundreds of Northern Nevadans joined a bone marrow registry Tuesday for a young man Channel 2 has been following for the past decade.
With just a cheek swab, our names are now part of the "Be the Match" registry - for the thousands of people diagnosed with blood cancers - like leukemia which is what 15-year-old Garrett Allen is fighting. This, after a lifelong battle with anemia - which requires frequent blood transfusions.
I've long donated blood to him, but now his only hope for a cure is a bone marrow transplant.
His family says it's heartwarming to see so many people hoping to be his match.
"It's phenomenal. It means so much. Just to see everyone - people we don't even know - that come out to support us. It's just amazing,” says Brett Allen, Garrett's brother.
If you didn't make it out today and want more information on donating, go to http://bethematch.org/
