Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 9, 1993                   TAG: 9310120274
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL CSOLLANY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium

GREEKS LAUNCH SEARCH FOR BONE-MARROW DONOR

He and his fraternity brothers organized an effort that brought more than 1,000 people to Squires Student Center for testing.

Students and area residents donated two test tubes of blood each in hopes that their blood would matchup with Joe's. They then would be able to donate bone marrow for his treatment.

The brothers of Sigma Chi publicized and staffed the event Thursday. But fraternity member Anthony Hardenburgh credited 11 sororities for the success of the event. Hardenburgh said that through fund-raising efforts during ``Derby Week'' - an annual week of games, fund-raising and parties - the sororities raised most of the money that will be needed to pay for the blood tests.

The test costs $50 for each person, but the National Bone Marrow Donor Program has agreed to match Tech funds, approximately $20,000.

``This was a phenomenal college turnout. Everyone should be really proud,'' said Kristine Metter, a program representative from the National Institute of Health's Marrow Donor Center.

Metter organizes efforts like this across the country.

Rodriguez's sister Dora was on hand at the event and was shocked. ``These people are standing on line for two hours to give blood. This is amazing,'' she said.

The chances of matching blood types - based on six antigens in the blood - have been compared to the chances of winning the lottery, so there may not be a match for Joe. But because the Tech students tested will be placed in a nationwide pool, they may match up with someone else, Metter said.

Students hada variety of reasons for donating their time and blood.

Helen Ward, a Blacksburg resident and recent Tech graduate, said she was there because she had a niece who died of cancer.

Jason Oakey, a freshman from South Carolina, said that when he was younger, doctors thought he had leukemia. It turned out to be something less serious, though, he said.

He contributed because he hoped someone would do the same for him.

``It's something that can get anybody. This is just something good I can do to possibly help this guy,'' Oakey said.

To get involved with the bone marrow program, call 1-800-MARROW2.