There has been an outpouring of community support since the airing of six-year-old Jordan Jemsek’s story on SPEED’s NASCAR Race Hub last Wednesday night. She is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, fighting Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) and people want to know how to help.
Recently, Tom’s Snacks, a part of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. and a major partner of JTG Daugherty Racing, announced that they will donate $6,500 to help cover the cost to register 100 new potential bone marrow donors that come out for Jordan’s bone marrow drive that will be held on Saturday, March 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church (3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211).
“When we heard about Jordan’s story, it struck a chord with all of us at Tom’s Snacks,” said Eric Boonshaft, Senior Brand Manager – Salty Snacks of Snyder’s-Lance. “The least we can do to help is support the drive on March 5th and encourage people to get swabbed. We are proud to be part of the JTG Daugherty Racing family, and we all share the same goal — finding a match for Jordan.”
Kay Jemsek, Jordan’s mother, is overwhelmed by the support for her little girl and other patients in need.
“We can’t thank Tom’s Snacks enough for their kindness and generosity in support of the bone marrow drive,” said Kay Jemsek. “It’s truly overwhelming how many people who have never even met my daughter are coming together to help save her life and the lives of others. The NASCAR community, with the JTG Daugherty race team at the helm, has made a lasting impression on our hearts.”
Jordan has already inspired over one thousand people to register with DKMS (www.getswabbed.org), the bone marrow donor center that is organizing the drive, after hearing of Bobby Labonte’s and JTG’ Daugherty Racing’s support.
“This is an unbelievably generous donation and everyone is utterly overwhelmed by Tom’s Snacks support of Jordan’s bone marrow drive,” said DKMS Americas Donor Recruiter Annette von der Muehlen. “It is people at companies like Tom’s Snacks and Reese Towpower who bring us joy and remind us of the good and kindness in this world. Little Jordan is fortunate to have them and JTG Daugherty Racing behind her. So far over one thousand donors have registered at www.getswabbed.org after hearing of Bobby Labonte’s and JTG’ Daugherty Racing’s support. The generous contribution of Tom’s Snacks will cover the registration cost of 100 new potential bone marrow donors. Thank you Eric Boonshaft and everyone at Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. Thank you Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing. From all of us at DKMS and from the patients you will save, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Jordan’s photo and the www.GetSwabbed.org logo will be carried on the No. 47 Reese Towpower Toyota Camry in the 75-lap Shootout at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday night beginning at 8:10 p.m. ET on FOX.
Here is more information on how people can help. Every day over six thousand patients search the national registry in hope to find a bone marrow donor match. Sadly, 6 out of 10 patients will never receive the transplant that could save their life.
| REGISTER AS A BONE MARROW DONOR Charlotte, NC Saturday, March 5, 2011, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM St. Gabriel Catholic Church 3016 Providence Road Charlotte, NC |
Registering to become a bone marrow donor is more than a cheek swab; it is a commitment to help save a life. You must be between 18 and 55 and in good general health. When you register with DKMS, you will also be listed on the Be The Match Registry® (operated by the NMDP) and can be found as a donor match for any patient in need of a bone marrow transplant.
The cost to DKMS for registering a new potential bone marrow donor is $65. DKMS does not receive government funding and is therefore dependant on donations from the general public. Every dollar counts!
JTG PR
