Benefit set for 22-year-old student in need of bone marrow donor

A month ago, Jacquie Hirsch, an energetic 22-year-old student at Geneseo State College and an Amherst native, learned that she has acute lymphocytic leukemia. A national search was immediately begun to find a match for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

A benefit will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 that will provide free bone marrow testing sponsored by the National Bone Marrow Program (www.marrow.org) in an effort to find the match for Hirsch. Bone marrow testing is a quick, easy and painless procedure in which four swabs are taken from the inside cheek. In addition to the free bone marrow testing, the benefit will raise money to help defray the uninsured costs of bone marrow testing through a silent auction, basket raffles, 50/50 split club, bake sale and spaghetti dinner.

Entertainment for the event will be provided by The Lakeside Blues Band and Nashville country recording artist JB Aaron.

The Hirsch family are longtime Western New Yorkers who have been active members of the community, most notably through their investment in the fitness and health of families.

They are the owners of the Greater Buffalo Gymnastics & Fitness Center as well as the recently opened dance, martial arts and daycare facilities adjacent to the gym in Getzville. Torey and Sharon Hirsch, Jacquie's parents, built their gym 15 years ago. Jacquie, and son, TJ, have been active partners in the family business from the beginning.

"All our focus right now is on finding a marrow donor for our daughter. We are so hopeful that the community that we've been so involved in all our lives will now be able to come to our aid by coming out and getting tested this Saturday," Torey said.

For information visit www.buffalogymcenter. com and click on the "Jacquie for ALL" link on the left-hand side of the home page, or call Elise Cusack at 983-2322.