POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team spent Friday, April 12, volunteering with a representative from the Be The Match Registry.

The registry is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program. The NMDP is an organization that connects patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant. For people with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma or other diseases, finding a marrow donor is their only hope for a cure.

The SUNY Potsdam effort was spearheaded Assistant Director of Admissions Melissa Evans. It’s a cause that personally affects her, as she suffers bone marrow failure syndrome and requires a donor.

“The Lady Bears were polite, energetic, helpful and patient with other volunteers and with donors,” said Evans. “They did a wonderful job representing their team and SUNY Potsdam.  Be the Match was very grateful for their efforts and looks forward to working with the team on future drives.”

Bears Head Coach Mark Misiak was happy to be able to help and very pleased to see his team involved.

“Melissa is an amazing person and she is a huge asset to everyone involved with our program,” Misiak said. “I know this cause is close to her heart and affects her in a very personal way. So in turn, this cause has become very important to us and we will continue to be involved as long as we are welcome. I hope we helped make it successful for everyone involved.”

The Bears and SUNY Potsdam are continuing the drive online. Donors can register on the Internet at: http://marrow.org/Join/Join_Now/Join_Now.aspx?promo_code=Potsdam .

Anyone looking to make a monetary donation can give online at: http://www.bethematchfoundation.org/site/TR?px=2349165&fr_id=1450&pg=personal 

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Melissa Evans at (315) 267-3458 or evansmj@potsdam.edu .