After her diagnosis in July of 2008, Marcia Williams went through six bone-marrow biopsies, one of which includes a rare abnormality and will make the Leukemia harder to cure. A marrow transplant is her best shot at recovering from the disease. Otherwise, she faces a risky cord blood transplant, which will leave her exposed to infection.
The Fire players taking part in the autograph session also contributed to a public service announcement encouraging fans to attend the drive and reinforcing the importance of donating. To view the video CLICK HERE.
“This is an issue very close to me and very close to the team,” said defender C.J. Brown. “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to help Marcia beat this disease and we’re asking all of our fans to help us make that a reality.”
To enter the bone marrow registry, a cheek swab is taken and tested to determine the donor’s tissue type. Potential donors must also complete a brief health questionnaire and sign a consent form to have their tissue type listed on the Registry. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds.
To register or for more information, go to www.lifesource.org or call 1-877-543-3768.
On Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 PM CT the Fire will host Brimstone Cup rival FC Dallas for their final meeting this season. The Fire have a one game advantage in 2009 series, defeating Dallas 3-1 at Pizza Hut Park in the season opener on March 28. To purchase tickets please visit www.chicago-fire.com or call 1-888-MLS-FIRE.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer’s national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
ABOUT TOYOTA PARK
Located 15 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from Midway airport off of I-55 on Harlem Avenue, TOYOTA PARK is the Midwest’s preeminent outdoor live entertainment and sporting facility. Opened in 2006, TOYOTA PARK not only serves as the home of the Chicago Fire, but also hosts a variety of sporting events, special events, and concerts by national and international artists. In 2009, artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Phish will perform live at TOYOTA PARK.
ABOUT LIFESOURCE
LifeSource, Chicagoland’s Blood Center, is a non-profit organization. As the largest blood center in Illinois, LifeSource distributes more than a half million blood products annually to 60 area hospitals in meeting the need for patient transfusion therapy. Ninety percent of the population will need donated blood in its lifetime, yet fewer than three percent of eligible donors in the Chicagoland area regularly give the gift of life.