'Be the Match' Donor Drive Set for Wednesday in Lemont

A stem cell transplant saved the life of Lemont resident Paul Orednick earlier this year, and Wednesday, he'll meet his match.

READ: Lemont Blood Cancer Survivor to Meet Donor at Local Marrow Drive

Orednick was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in December 2011 at the age of 72, and was told by doctors he had only a year to live without a stem cell transplant. 
 
On March 21, 2012, Orednick received a stem cell donation from an anonymous female donor through the "Be the Match" bone marrow registry. His family gave the donor the name “Hope,” as her generosity had given him hope.

Because Be the Match requires a year to elapse before allowing donors and recipients to contact each other, Orednick has had to wait to meet "Hope."

On Wednesday, his "Hope" will turn into his "Destiny," when he is finally introduced to his donor, Destiny Stout.

Orednick and Stout will turn their first meeting into a good cause by hosting the “Paul’s Journey from Hope to Destiny Marrow Drive” during the Lemont Legends Car Show in downtown Lemont. The public is invited to join the registry, which connects patients with bone marrow donors. 
 
"We are asking individuals who are 18 to 44, meet our health guide lines, willing to donate to any patient in need and agree to keep your contact information current to join the BTM Registry," said Julie Contreras, a representative for Be the Match. "You could be the cure for a blood cancer patient. Everyone deserves a second chance at life.”

The drive will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 305 Canal St. Registration is free, and only requires a cheek swab and completion of a short medical history form.

The Lemont Legends Car Show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 28. This week's theme is "Olds."

For more information, visit www.lemontchamber.com.

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