Another testing date has been added in the search for a match for Diane Dismont after an overwhelming response from the public.

Ms Dismont has chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and urgently needs to find a match for a stem-cell transplant which could cure her.

She is believed to be the only person in Bermuda with this type of leukaemia ? a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. She was diagnosed with it three years ago.

Testing will take place today from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at King Edward IV Memorial Hospital and again on February 28 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Today?s session is fully booked but there are still spaces available for February 28. The Dismont family are hoping for a better response from the black community because there is a better chance of finding a match.

?Bermudians, West Indians, and African Americans are more likely to have a similar genetic profile as Ms Dismont?s,? said Kim Dismont Robinson, Diane?s daughter.

?Unfortunately, there is a very low percentage of ethnic donors in the World Registry, which is why it?s so difficult for people of colour to find matches for transplants.

?However, we encourage everyone who is willing to be a donor to get tested. Potentially, anyone could be a match.?

Those that would like to be tested must pass a few guidelines(see box).

Please contact Rhonda Dismont-Seaton at 295-4721 to arrange an appointment and to get the donor application form. The form must be completed before testing.

@EDITRULE:

Eligibility for testing for Diane Dismont?s stem-cell transplant.

?You must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health.

?You cannot donate if you are excessively overweight.

?You cannot donate if you have (or had in the past) any of the following conditions:

Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Chronic Diseases (such as epilepsy, sickle cell, or lupus), Hepatitis B or C, Malaria less than three years ago, Diabetes treated with insulin (diet controlled is ok).

?You also cannot donate if you have any risk factors for HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis. Based on FDA requirements for blood donors, you are disqualified if:

?You have tested positive for AIDS or HIV.

?You are a male who has had sex with another male since 1977.

?You have ever taken street drugs by a needle.

?You have ever exchanged sex for drugs or money since1977.

?You are haemophiliac who has received clotting factor concentrate.