The Cupertino Courier

Sports

Jon's 10-Minute Marrow Drive held as tribute to former Viking

By Mike Barnhart

Jon Kang, a 2005 graduate of Lynbrook High School and a former member of the school's badminton team, died of leukemia in April 2006. In Kang's honor, Lynbrook's badminton team will host something more important than a match--the second annual Jon's10-Minute Marrow Drive.

Looking to add to its registry list, the National Marrow Donor Program will conduct the event on April 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the cafeteria at Lynbrook, 1280 Johnson Ave., San Jose.

"We are holding it in memory of our former team member who lost his battle with leukemia last year," explained Karen Christensen, the Lynbrook badminton coach.

The NMDP encourages people of ethnic backgrounds to register, "particularly those of Asian, Hispanic and African-American descent, because those are low in the registry," Christensen said.

Registration includes a small amount of paperwork and a cheek swab for DNA. Those who register also should bring the names and addresses of two people they do not live with.

"In case somebody moves, then the registry has a way of contacting them, if necessary," Christensen added. "A person may never be called, but it is also possible that one person may be the only chance for another person to continue living."