It was an education for some at the Record Pilot this week to find out how desperate a situation it is to need a bone marrow donation. As reported in the front-page story about the Mele famliy's plight, the odds of finding a donor who matches you are formidable. For that reason, it is worth one more mention for anyone who would consider donating, or who wants to find out how to help in general, with financial or volunteer support.

To donate blood, readers can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.

For information on the National Marrow Donor Program, visit www.marrow.org or call 1-800-627-7692.

-M.A.P.