Coker to Host Third Annual ‘Be The Match’ Event in Honor of Fuga

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is set to host the 'Be The Match' event on Thursday (Apr. 14). For the third consecutive year, 'Be The Match' is coming to Hartsville to encourage the Coker community to join the national registry and raise awareness for blood cancers.

This year's event is in honor of former men's golfer Christopher Fuga. Fuga, who was instrumental in bringing the first 'Be The Match' drive to Coker back in 2013, passed away on Oct. 30, 2015 after a lengthy battle with AML.

"Be The Match this year holds a special place in the hearts of SAAC and the Coker community," said SAAC advisor Ali Nelson. "Chris was the driving force to bring this cause to campus and to be able to continue the cause in his honor is truly a privilege. It really hits close to home for many to think that a simple cheek swab could potentially help save the life of others who are suffering from life-threatening blood cancers."

The process is quick and painless, as individuals can fill out the registration form and get a quick swab of their cheek to find out if they are a potential match for someone in need.

"Having an event like this on campus is so special, but to have it be in Chris's honor means the world to myself, his family, friends, SAAC, the Coker golf program and Coker as a whole," said junior men's golfer and current SAAC member Will Bundy, who was a teammate of Fuga.

"The Student Athlete Advisory Community and the athletic department are very much looking forward to bringing awareness of this campaign to the student-body and the rest of the Coker community and would greatly appreciate your support on April 14," Nelson concluded.

The 'Be The Match' event is set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 14 on the Davidson Hall Lawn located on the campus of Coker College.

More About Be The Match

For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Over the past 25 years Be The Match®, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. We work every day to save lives through transplant.