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Bone Marrow Drive Set for April 14

Nick is a well-rounded young man who gives back to the community in a lot of different ways.

Mike Giancola, director of Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service

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Nick Schultz chats with friends and well-wishers at an April 3 fundraiser.

By Dave Pond, Web Communication

In support of 2007-08 NC State Leader of the Pack Nick Schultz – diagnosed with leukemia in early March – a bone marrow registry drive will be held at Talley Student Center from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, April 14.

"Nick is the kind of person who is always there for anyone who needs him," NC State senior Dane Emmerling said. "When he got sick, we got countless phone calls from people asking what they could do for Nick, how they could help and if Nick's family needed anything."

The National Marrow Donor Program provides needy patients – possibly to include Schultz – access to more than 11 million donors and cord blood units around the world. Organizers hope to "type" 500 donors during the four-hour event, in which potential donors will be asked to undergo a simple, painless cheek swab and leave their contact information.

"Nick is a well-rounded young man who gives back to the community in a lot of different ways," said Mike Giancola, director of Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service (CSLEPS) at NC State University. "He has achieved a lot during his time here at NC State, but he's very humble about all those accomplishments."

After returning from a spring break service trip to Florida, Schultz – already taking antibiotics for what doctors originally thought was bronchitis – returned to the doctor for bloodwork because his condition had failed to improve. He was quickly referred to the Cancer Center at Rex Hospital, and transferred to Duke the next day to begin treatment for leukemia.

Earlier this month, dozens of friends and strangers alike braved a chilly evening to raise awareness and stand beside their fallen classmate, with 30 or so going bald in support. Although he appreciated both the gesture and camaraderie, Schultz desired that the focus remain on the greater cause.

"We definitely don't want the emphasis to be on shaving heads," Schultz said. "To me, it's more of a get-together for friends and others to raise awareness about the reality of leukemia and to show support in general."

For more information, or if you cannot attend the bone marrow typing on April 14 but would like to be typed or help raise support for Schultz's family, contact Emmerling by email or phone at (252) 916-8559.