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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A high school student is helping organize a stem cell donor drive in hopes of finding a life-saving match for Jennifer, a local woman battling a rare form of blood cancer.

Mellow Mushroom Albany is partnering with DKMS to host the “Drive for Jennifer” stem cell donor registration event on Sunday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The drive aims to add potential donors to the registry and increase the chances of finding a match for Jennifer and others in need of a stem cell transplant.

For nearly three years, Jennifer has been courageously battling polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer. Despite the challenges that came with her diagnosis, family members say she continued to face each day with strength and determination.

A few months ago, Jennifer began experiencing episodes of shortness of breath. After her symptoms worsened in April, she was hospitalized for four days and underwent a bone marrow biopsy. Her oncologist later informed her that the cancer may have progressed and referred her to specialists at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where she has been receiving treatment since May.

Jennifer is now facing the possibility of a bone marrow transplant, making the search for a compatible donor increasingly urgent.

Organizers, including a Lee County student working to raise awareness about the importance of stem cell donation, hope community members will take a few minutes to register and potentially save a life.

The process takes about five minutes and includes completing a registration form and providing a simple cheek swab. Participants are then entered into the DKMS stem cell donor registry.

The event is open to adults ages 18 and older who are in good general health and have a valid ID.

In addition to the medical challenges ahead, Jennifer and her husband, Bill, are facing significant expenses related to treatment, travel, medications and recovery. Family members say many costs are not fully covered by insurance, including one medication that will cost more than $600 out of pocket after she returns home.

Organizers hope the community will rally around Jennifer and her family while also helping others who may be searching for a life-saving donor match.

The stem cell donor drive will be held at Mellow Mushroom Albany on June 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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