NMDP, formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program and Be The Match, recently recognized Nu Alpha Kappa (NAK) Fraternity, Inc. for 25+ years of service. The recognition honors individuals, groups, NMDP members or organizations working to increase awareness or access to potentially life-saving cell therapy. Award recipients were selected for their innovative work in advocating for patients and donors, growing the presence of NMDP within their community, improving understanding around the transplant process and increasing awareness of cell therapy programs.
As a national fraternal organization, NAK has supported the NMDP and its Hispanic/Latino Stem Cell and Marrow Initiative Program in the states of California, Colorado and Nevada. Throughout the years, the partnership between NMDP and NAK have expanded the pool of unrelated stem cell and marrow donors of minority heritage. Furthermore, it has improved the chances of minority patients finding matched unrelated donors.
“The organization’s commitment to our communities is amazing. With our members fully embracing our national philanthropy, it makes Nu Alpha Kappa a special organization as we continue to provide services to those in need,” said NAK President Jason Navarro. “For more than two decades, our chapters and brothers have hosted registry drives to bridge the gap for minority patients. This recognition is a testament of the partnership NAK has with NMDP and showcases our commitment to our local communities. NAK looks forward to continuing to support our Hispanic/Latino communities through philanthropic initiatives.”
Alberto Botello is one of many NAK brothers who registered for NMDP’s registry drive program. Botello was also found to be a match. He tells his story in this 2017 Univision interview here.
Bone marrow registry drives work. In 2003, NAK brother and former National Vice President (‘11-’13) Alberto Botello joined the registry. 14 years later, he was notified he was a match! “What’s gratifying is that I said ‘yes’ to donating,” Botello said in his Univision interview. “The easy part is that it doesn’t cost anything to save a life.”
To date, Botello is not aware if his donation was a success. However, he still feels proud that he was able to be matched and for participating in the blood stem cell donation. His story is one of many helping bridge access to potential life-saving cell therapy.
NMDP representatives award NAK chapter leaders with recognition certificates. Photos courtesy of Carlos Mendoza.
NAK is one of NMDP’s oldest collegiate partners, recording their first registry drive and event on Sept. 16, 1998 at California State University, Sacramento; NAK’s Iota Chapter. Over the past 25 years, NAK’s 28 chapters in the U.S. have held more than 300 events to help spread awareness and grow the NMDP Registry with committed members and future donors.
To date, the collective efforts from NAK brothers have resulted in more than 9,350 registry members and more than 66 donations to patients in need. NMDP is one of many philanthropic initiatives NAK supports annually at their collegiate chapters nationwide. Learn more about NAK’s history with NMDP and NAK’s philanthropic efforts here.
William Smith, NAK’s associate vice president of community service, shared that the brotherhood is exploring new ways to pursue and strengthen philanthropy and community service at the national and chapter levels. “NAK is passionate about service,” he said. “This is a pillar that we’re committed to strengthen within our members, including our alumni. We’re looking into new ways to continue to serve the communities we live in and support underserved communities.”
Are you registered with the NMDP? You can learn more about NMDP’s mission here. To learn more about NAK, visit the web.
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Abel Morelos
Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc.
Associate Vice President of Communications
communications@nakinc.org
