Lee Memorial Blood Center is partnering with Florida Gulf Coast University which will host a bone marrow and blood drive for a local teenager on Monday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. A separate bone marrow cheek swab will be held on the same day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The teenager, 15-year-old Zeph Villarreal, was diagnosed with Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) which is a rare and aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Despite multiple chemotherapy strategies and radiation, he needs a bone marrow transplant to help save his life. Both of hiss parents work at FGCU.

The requirements to give blood are:

Age: At least 17 years old (16 with written parental consent) and in good general health. There is no upper age limit.

Weight: Minimum of 115 pounds.

Identification: Must provide photo ID with date of birth.

Food: Eat a good meal before giving and drink plenty of fluids.

Medications: Many medications such as insulin, blood pressure, thyroid, cholesterol, aspirin, anti-depressants, and hormone replacement do not necessarily prevent someone from giving. Tattoos are also acceptable as long as they are healed and done in a reputable facility.

The requirements for bone marrow are similar to blood donation, except that the age requirement is between 18 and 60.

Diversity

Today, there simply aren’t enough bone marrow registry members of diverse racial and ethnic heritage. Adding more diverse members increases the likelihood that all patients will find a life-saving match, hospital officials said.

Members of these backgrounds are especially needed: Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, including South Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino and Multiple Race.