ST LOUIS – A Saint Louis University student is making a significant impact by organizing a blood stem cell donor registration drive on campus.
Meg Murphy is a junior public health major who was recently accepted into medical school. She and her sorority sisters are leading the initiative in partnership with DKMS, the world’s largest blood stem cell donor center.
The drive is inspired by Clementine, a young girl who survived a rare genetic mutation thanks to a donor found through the registry.
“You can do so much good and give someone the second chance of life,” Murphy said. “When you think about that in the long-term aspects of helping someone like that—it takes three minutes to register and then it’s just a day to donate—there’s so many good impacts you can do.”
Clementine’s family moved to St. Louis from Pittsburgh because Saint Louis University was the only place researching her condition.
Last year’s drive registered 450 people, with two donors from that list already saving lives. Organizers hope to match or exceed last year’s turnout during the three day event.
Those unable to attend in person but still want to join the registry can request a free swab kit from DKMS.org.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.