Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Roy Yonashiro of the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry. We held our first ever Bone Marrow Donor Registry drive here at the Honolulu Advertiser in downtown. The Honolulu Advertiser’s Kapolei press held their drive on Wednesday.

Roy has been the Recruitment Specialist for the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry for almost 14 years now. He started off volunteering his time with the marrow donor registry when his wife’s good friend was diagnosed with leukemia. After 4 years of volunteering his time, Roy made it a full time job. But it’s become more than just a job - to Roy, it’s become a mission.

There’s over a million people living in Hawaii, and there are around 65,000 to 66,000 people from Hawaii registered as bone marrow donors. That’s less than 10%. As Roy states “Don’t wait until a loved one or someone close to you needs bone marrow, and then register - it may be too late. Get on the registry now. You just may save someone’s life later.” Think about it - this is your opportunity to possibly save someone’s life. And think about those who have already registered and may be the perfect match to maybe one day save your spouse’s life. Or your child’s life. Or even your life.

The test that’s used is just a couple of cotton swabs brushed on the insides of your cheeks. No more drawing of blood. It’s simple, it’s painless, and takes just a few minutes.

Wait a minute. Did I say Roy Yonashiro? Why does that name sound so familiar?

Well, besides being knows as the “marrow guy”, Roy Yonashiro was also the lead singer for one of the top bands that played the nightclub circuit back in the 70’s. That band was Natural High. I’m sure many of you have danced to Natural High at the Hula Hut back then. Or stood in that line on Beachwalk Ave. waiting to get in. They were one of the hottest tickets in town.

I remember Roy singing San Francisco/Hollywood by the Village People. That was no easy task - as that song is at least 10 minutes long. And Reasons - his signature song. There’s another song that Natural High was famous for playing but I’m saving that for another “name that song”.

Perhaps you saw Roy at last Saturdays 70’s Nightclub Reunion. He was in the crowd this time - not on the stage as he’s accustomed to. But who knows - maybe, just maybe, Natural High will be back for a reunion someday too. Remember, you heard it first here on Midlife Crisis.

Currently, Roy has a band called Powerhouse. They’ve been playing gigs here and there around town. In fact they have one scheduled for next Friday. Check out their website for details but I heard it’s almost sold out.

Powerhouse has also played at a couple of benefit dances for the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Check out some pictures. When I hear of another benefit coming up, you’ll be sure to hear about it here at Midlife Crisis.

Oh, and yes, I did register myself yesterday with the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

If you’re interested in holding a Bone Marrow Donor Registry drive, whether at your place of work, or at your church, or at a social gathering, contact:

Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Roy Yonashiro - Bone Marrow Recruitment Specialist
Phone (808) 547-6154
Toll-free (877) HI-DONOR
ryonashiro@hawaiimedcen.com
Website

Remember, don’t wait until you’re told that someone close to you has only 9 weeks to live unless he/she receives bone marrow. That may already be too late. Do it today!

And a big mahalo to Marisa Yagi for doing a great job in making this bone marrow donor registry available to us here at The Honolulu Advertiser.