ADITYA of Bangalore Blues writes: My friend Vinay was recently diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and urgently needs a bone marrow transplant. We, his family and friends, have begun a nationwide effort in the US to find Vinay that match he so desperately needs. We are trying to reach as many South Asians as possible and get them registered at one of our drives.

South Asians are woefully underrepresented in the national bone marrow registry. A Caucasian seeking a match in the registry averages 15 hits; a South Asian 1 or 0. Vinay’s chances of finding a match are 1 in 20,000. You—through a simple cheek swab—could be that miracle match for Vinay. Or for one of many other individuals waiting for a bone marrow match.

Here is how you can help:

• Please come out and register at one of our upcoming drives. All it takes is a few minutes of your time. A complete list of nationwide drives is available at www.helpvinay.org.
• Please help us get the word out by forwarding this post to as many people as possible.
• Help organize a drive or volunteer at a drive in your area. Please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you with details.

For more information, please see www.helpvinay.org .