By Amelia Kibbe
Managing Editor
Through the ups and downs in his life, John Hyland’s college friends have been by his side and full of support. So when doctors diagnosed Hyland, who graduated from St. Bonaventure University in December of 1989, with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) this past fall, it didn’t take long for his comrades to step in and help him—right on their old stomping grounds.
Catherine Zendell, one of Hyland’s close friends, along with other classmates of Hyland, will help host a bone marrow registry drive in the Thomas Merton Ministry Center today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zendell and the others, who are partnering with Be The Match, a national bone marrow donation program, hope to find a life-changing match for Hyland and others suffering from the disease and in need of a transplant.
About 176,000 Americans are diagnosed with forms of leukemia each year, according to the Leukemia Research Foundation’s website. Chemotherapy, used to kill the cancer cells, often destroys critical stem cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, bone marrow transplantation is a procedure that restores stem cells that were destroyed by high doses of radiation. Like human blood, in order to donate, an individual must match the “type” of marrow, along with other health qualifications, with those of the donor.
Doctors initially diagnosed Hyland with acute myeloid leukemia in 2010. Hyland underwent chemotherapy and doctors announced him cancer-free less than a year later. Hyland continued to compete in Iron Man competitions, something he had begun before his diagnosis to stay strong and support his aunt who had also suffered from cancer. Then, in late 2014, doctors discovered his cancer had returned (although this time a different form), likely a result of the chemotherapy.
According to Zendell, it was natural for her to do her part.
“We [our group] met during freshman year, and we’ve been fortunate to have stayed really close,” Zendell said. “We try to get together once a year for a weekend, and we often go to Bonaventure. When John got sick…it’s so hard to describe the helplessness you feel. The one thing he needed was a bone marrow transplant and we were determined to do our part.”
Zendell explained the process of adding individuals to the donation registry is simple.
“It’s so easy to get your name on the registry,” Zendell said. “We ask students to come to the Merton Center on Friday and fill out some paperwork and have the inside of their cheeks swabbed. It takes only a few minutes.”
There is no cost for students to register, and no appointment is necessary. The samples are added to the national registry, and experts then examine the sample and compare the individual’s results with those of the patient in need. If a match is found, the organization then contacts the individual to set up an appointment to donate.
According to Be The Match Foundation, marrow donation is a simple outpatient procedure. Officials walk the donor through the process and the donor is usually back to normal health by the next day, said Zendell. Be The Match Foundation also funds the donation and any travel expenses.
To Hyland, this simple act could be his only hope.
“I have one of the most deadly forms of cancer there is,” Hyland said. “And now I find my only chance is a marrow transplant, and as of now, I don’t have a donor. Finding one is critical to my survival.”
When contacted by Zendell and her friends, Bonaventure officials wanted to do everything possible to help.
“Denise Dee, another one of Hyland’s friends, reached out to Rick Trietley, our vice president for student affairs,” Rob De Fazio, director of the center for activities, recreation and leadership, said. “This coming weekend is 80’s weekend at Bonaventure, and a good number of the class of ’89 will be here. [Dee] wondered if we were interested in helping out. Trietley, student government and myself began talking about how we can do this and make it a success. We’re really just trying to pump this up.”
The Student Government Association (SGA) has reached out to clubs and organizations to increase participation and spread the word about the event. De Fazio said SGA’s goal is for 500 students to be added to the registry.
“This school has done a lot of stuff for a lot of people and given to a lot of charities,” De Fazio said. “But I think it really hits home when it’s one of us. It’s an alumnus, and we have a chance to save his life and I think people will rally around this, and, of course, the ideal situation is that someone is a match for John.”
De Fazio explained that students, staff and the community are all welcome to register, as long as the participant is under the age of 44.
Hyland said having his alma mater’s, along with his classmates,’ help shows the quality of the school and the goodness of the people it produces.
“My best friends I made in college are my best friends now,” Hyland said. “It’s one of the magical aspects of the school when you form those close and unique bonds. I loved every aspect of the school. Seeing my friends and the school rally around me has been wonderful.”
Zendell said the purpose of the drive is more than just a swab of the cheek. The highest percentages of bone marrow matches are young adults aged 18 to 22, and individuals from every background are needed.
“We want people to sign up who will take this seriously,” Zendell said. “We want someone to honor the obligation if he or she is a match.”
Along with the on-campus drive, Hyland’s friends are working with Be The Match at two other events over the weekend—Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Country Inn and Suites across the street from Bonaventure and from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Other Place bar in Allegany. Be The Match Foundation also accepts donations to the program. For more information, visit the website at bethematch.org.
Zendell added she is happy with the excitement from SGA and other organizers.
“The amount of support from Bonaventure has been outstanding,” Zendell said. “It makes me proud as an alumna and hopeful as John’s friend.”
