Delete Blood Cancer DKMS has announced that Academy Award nominated actor Bradley Cooper has registered as a bone marrow donor and is joining the organization’s efforts to register more donors.
Katharina Harf, Co-Founder of Delete Blood Cancer DKMS introduced Cooper to Anthony Daniels, a young man who has been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of blood cancer for five years. Cooper was inspired to help Anthony and others who are also battling the disease. Cooper, a donor himself, is helping to raise awareness about the importance of registering as a donor.
“When I lost my father to cancer, I lost my best friend, my hero and my confident. It was devastating for my whole family. When I first heard Anthony’s story, I knew that it was time I joined the fight against blood cancer and become a donor,” said Cooper. “When I signed up to be a donor, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the process was quick and pain free – a simple swab of my cheek. I hope that I can be a match for someone, and inspire others to register as well.”
“I am truly moved by Bradley’s support. When I approached him, he immediately offered his help. Both of us have lost a parent to cancer. It’s devastating, but what we have both learned through this journey is that there is hope for patients battling blood cancer, and everyone can help save a life,” said Katharina Harf, Co-Founder of Delete Blood Cancer. “Delete Blood Cancer has made tremendous strides and we work with people all over the world to help find donor matches. The process is simple, painless and can truly save lives.”
Each year, more than 160,000 Americans are diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. Even more staggering, blood cancers kills more children in the United States than any other disease. Of this group, 70 percent in need of a transplant cannot find a donor match within their family so they turn to the national registry to find a match. This makes Delete Blood Cancer’s bank of registered donors more important than ever to save lives.
Registering to be a donor is quick and easy. It all starts with a simple swab of the cheek. Any generally healthy person between the ages of 18 and 55 can register as a donor. Interested donors can visit www.deletebloodcancer.org to register or learn more about how to help.
