Poster for Be The Match registry drive (PDF)

EAST STROUDSBURG - East Stroudsburg University will host a "Be The Match" bone marrow registry drive for individuals ages 18-44 on Friday, December 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in support of former ESU women's lacrosse student-athlete Alyssa Oxenford, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in May.

The registry drive - which requires just a cheek swab that will later be tested for specific markers - will be held in Lower Dansbury in conjunction with the ESU women's lacrosse program and Colleges Against Cancer.

Individuals ages 18 to 44 are encouraged to attend, due to medical research that shows donors in that age bracket provide the greatest chance for transplant success.

Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, manages the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. The program supports the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Alyssa Oxenford, a junior defender from Hatfield, Pa. (North Penn High School) on last year's lacrosse team and a three-year starter for the Warriors from 2012-14, was diagnosed with Leukemia following the spring semester last May.