FSU Football Players Take Part in Bone Marrow Drive

The following article is from WCTV News in Tallahassee, FL.

A few weeks ago, Jimbo Fisher and his wife Candi asked that everyone sign up to be bone marrow donors. Friday his players signed up.

The Florida State Football team kick off the 2011 football season in 8 days, but they have a bigger battle to fight.

Bert Reed is a wide receiver for the Seminoles. He said,"When you talk about family, and being able to help somebody that's in need. It always puts things in perspective for me."

Coach Fisher's son, Ethan, has Fanconi anemia, and will need a bone marrow transplant. Friday morning the football team swabbed their cheeks to see if they are a match.

For every 38,000 people tested, one could be the match. They say if they aren't a match for Ethan, they can still help someone.

"Whatever we can do to help Coach Fisher, and help some other people out that would need a transplant. We'll do that," said Quarterback EJ Manuel.

The players said filling out the form is the hardest part of seeing if they can be a match. If they do match up, they say if they can take a hit, surely they can give some bone marrow.

The process is not as painful as it used to be. Now they can do it like you would to give blood, and if they do it on your hip, you are put to sleep.

Shawn Powell, FSU Punter, said, "It doesn't really matter what the procedure is, because we know the long term goal of the process."

More than 100 people signed up to give back, hoping to do their part to help the more than 10,000 people who need a transplant.

In addition to Friday's drive , the school has events planned for both home games against Miami on November 12, and Virginia on November 19.