Park Ridge man with lymphoma seeks a blood stem cell donor

As a dedicated husband and father of two young children, 41-year-old Jason Steffen says there isn't anything he wouldn't do for his family - including fight cancer.

He was recently diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma and is in desperate need of a blood stem cell transplant to survive.

Steffen and his family have partnered with DKMS, the world's largest blood stem cell donor center, to host a drive-through registration drive in his hometown of Park Ridge to identify potential lifesaving donors.

It will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 260 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge.

Steffen does not have a matching donor in his family and is relying on a complete stranger for a second chance at life. A transplant will enable him to spend more time doing the things he loves, like golfing, exercising, and making memories with his family.

Prior to his diagnosis, Jason was a healthy man with no family history of lymphoma.

"While this shouldn't have happened to me, it can ... and that's why it's critical to join the donor pool through organizations like DKMS," Steffen stated in a news release.

According to DKMS, 70% of people suffering from blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside of their families to save their life. Anyone in good health between ages 18-55 is encouraged to attend the registration drive and join the donor pool.

While remaining inside their cars, potential registrants will review medical eligibility, fill out a registration form, swab the insides of their cheeks, and will then drop off their completed packet before leaving the parking lot.

Those who cannot attend the drive-through registration drive on Sunday can request a free swab kit online at dkms.org/SteffenStrong.