Organizers had to turn away more than 200 people at a bone marrow drive this week when they ran out of money and supplies.
John Bouk doesn’t want that to happen Saturday at Godstock 2001.
But it will if he can’t raise more funds today to pay for the marrow screenings that might save little Samantha Washko and other leukemia victims.
“We need to hear today from people, businesses, churches, anyone who can donate,” Bouk said.
To make a pledge, call him at the South Rowan YMCA at 704-857-7011 until 7 p.m. or later at home, 704-857-7457.
Each marrow screening costs $73. So far, Bouk has raised enough money to screen about 130 people from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the South Y, 955 Kimball Road.
In the past, about 50 people have been screened at Godstock.
“And the Red Cross was always tickled,” Bouk said.
But in the wake of Samantha’s marrow drive Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where more than 800 people came, Bouk hopes to break all records.
“It’s hot right now,” he said. “It’s hit home and people are on fire. Somehow, someway, we need to find the money so we’re not turning them away.”
Bouk can’t turn away Samantha’s aunt, who’s bringing a group from Boone.
He can’t say no to the Davie County teachers who’ve promised to attend.
He can’t tell the parishioners from a Catholic church in Concord to come back next year.
“They’re ready to do this,” he said. “If we send them home now, we may not get them again.”
Each person screened is a potential match for Samantha and other leukemia victims who need bone marrow transplants to survive.
Every screening goes into the national registry as a possible donor for sick children and adults across the country.
“People have to realize how important this is,” he said.
Many people who volunteered at Samantha’s drive will help at Godstock, Bouk said.
And the American Red Cross will provide enough supplies to screen everyone that Bouk can pay for.
The Hendrick Foundation donated enough money to screen 50 people. Then Bouk worked the phones and raised another $6,000 in one day.
Salisbury Pediatrics Associates led the effort with a $3,000 gift. Salisbury Civitans gave $450, and First Reformed Church in Landis contributed $550.
Several small businesses are sponsoring two or three screenings, Bouk said.
“You don’t have to give the money, but we need a firm commitment,” he said.
Godstock will be responsible for paying the bill and must collect all pledges soon after the event, he said.
“Wouldn’t that be neat to meet someone who got a transplant from your marrow?” he asked.
Bone marrow screening is painless and done by drawing a small vile of blood from the arm. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health.
Godstock 2001 also will showcase Christian performers Saturday and Sunday and raise money for two medically-needy children.
Activities begin at 10 a.m. both days at the South Y, between Landis and China Grove. On Saturday, kids and adults can enjoy clowns, a children’s play area, face painting, moon bounce and other games.
Here’s the Saturday schedule:
- 11 a.m.-noon, Dance Ministry.
- noon-1 p.m., Michael Hiskey.
- 1-2 p.m., X-Salt.
- 2-3 p.m., Final Destiny.
- 3-4 p.m., Luig.
- 4:15 p.m., Special speaker.
The Sunday schedule includes:
- 10:30-11 a.m., Mike Lambert.
- 11 a.m., outdoor worship service featuring the Rev. Rodney Hagans of Central United Methodist Church in Spencer.
- Noon-2 p.m., more entertainment.
Organizers will sell hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks, and the South Rowan High School FFA will offer homemade ice cream.
Local branches of Aid Association for Lutherans will match funds raised, up to $10,000.
The funds will go to help pay the living expenses of the families of Hailey Nicole Jackson, a 7-month-old Rockwell girl with a chronic lung disease and a chromosome disorder, and Dustin Myers, a 17-year-old Davie High School student who has bone cancer.
For more information, call Bouk or go to www.GodStock.org on the Internet.
Contact Emily Ford at 704-797-4280 or news@salisburypost.com
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