Funds raised from Mt Fuji Rocks will be used to support global cancer care and expand the global bone marrow testing campaign. Cancer is now the leading global killer and more and more, patients are finding bone marrow transplants to be their only hope at surviving numerous blood cancers including, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multipe Myeloma and other diseases, such as, Sickle cell and Aplastic anemia. As our world becomes more diverse, so is the need for a multi-cultural database of willing bone marrow donors. By conducting saliva-based bone marrow drives, we are increasing the odds of survival for thousands of patients around the globe.
The need for donors, especially multi-racial donors, is growing. Every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer. At any given time, over 6,000 patients from all over the world, and of all ethnicities, are searching the registries for a match. The number of people who identify themselves as multiracial in the United States alone has grown from 3.9 million in 2000, to 5.2 million in 2008. In the United States, ethnic minorities have a 30-40% chance of finding a match from the existing registry whereas, Caucasians have an 80% chance of finding a match. Minority donors (Asian, Pacific Islander, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Multi-Race) make up only 25% of the current U.S. National Registry. And, multi-racial donors make up only 3% of the 7 million registered donors.
Love Hope Strength believes that all people, regardless of nationality, color, race, religion, age or socioeconomic demographic, deserves the right to early detection, proper screening and cancer care. This includes the right to locate a bone marrow donor. LHS is currently conducting drives in the United States through DKMS and United Kingdom through the Anthony Nolan Trust. LHS has registered over 4,000 patients and located over 20 matches for patients around the world. In conjunction with UICC, LHS seeks to make marrow registration a global cancer initiative.
The Charity and Donation
Each participant will required to pledge a minimum of a $6,000 tax-deductible donation to the Love Hope Strength Foundation, in addition to covering their own travel and ground costs to participate in Mt Fuji Rocks. This contribution will be used to initiate and support saliva-based bone marrow registration programs around the globe with the support of the International Coalition of Cancer (UICC). Donations may be made personally or through individual or corporate donations. Fundraising guidelines will be provided to each confirmed participant.
Ground costs:
Each participant will be required to pay a non tax-deductible fee of $3500 for their time in Japan. Each participant will be responsible for their own air travel arrangements. See COMPLETE MT FUJI ROCK ITINERARY for more information.
