Donate marrow, stem cells to honor fallen police officer

DENVER — If you want to honor slain police officer Celena Hollis, who was killed at a City Park Jazz festival last month, the Denver Police Department’s District 2 is urging you to donate your bone marrow or stem cells.

Hollis was instrumental in setting up a donor drive before her death and donated her organs after her passing. She was also an advocate for minorities, serving as the president for the Denver Police Department Black Police Officers Organization

All of that considered, Hollis’ colleagues are hoping to continue the self-less work that came to define the fallen officer.

“July is African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month and the goal is to raise awareness about the critical need for African Americans to join the national ‘Be The Match Registry,’” said Dianna Hemphill, Public Relations Specialist at the Bonfils Blood Center, where the drive was held Friday.

More than 10,000 people from all ethnic backgrounds are diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases every year. Approximately 70 percent of these patients do not have a compatible donor in their family or are unable to use their own cells. At that point, they need to search the “Be The Match Registry” for an unrelated donor.

Only 25 percent of that registry is ethnically diverse.

“That’s why the need for more diverse donors is critical,” Bonfils Vice President of Marketing Jessica Maitland said.