Over 500 Get Cheek Swabs in Support of Sound Beach Woman

When Dona Brannigan went to the doctor on Mother’s Day for what she thought was an infected bug bite, it turned out her life was about to change as she was diagnosed with leukemia

“It happened so fast,” she said.

Despite the devastating situation, Brannigan, a Sound Beach resident and Wantagh native, community activist, girl scout leader and mother of three, remained high-spirited.

“I really try to find what’s good in a situation,” she said. “This is just how we were brought up. I am just a glass half-full a person. I wake up happy.” 

Her family and friends held a bone marrow drive at Miller Place Fire Department Headquarters Sunday, called “Do it for Dona.” Patti Kozlowski, a Miller Place resident, initiated the drive for Brannigan.

“It’s just exactly what I expected. This is my community and I knew people will come out. We’re all good people,” Kozlowski said.

Brannigan’s brother, Dominick Marzigliano traveled from Florida for the drive. He wasn’t surprised about the big turnout and jokingly said about the parking, “It’s nice. Growing up, [my sister] always caused a traffic jam.”   

The drive began at 11 a.m., and by noon, 117 donors had already been tested. Another hour later, the number grew to 200. By the end of the day, 502 donors participated.

“I’m in awe," Brannigan said. "I have no words for it.”

Tim Monahan of Patchogue attended the drive for support.

“It’s for a good cause and hopefully we’ll find a match,” he said.     

Friend Kelly Grasso of Holbrook said, “I think it’s great. It’s really easy to do and hope I’m a match.”

The cheek-swabbing process begins with a brief one-on-one, with a drive volunteer. The volunteer explains the process, procedure, and time commitment. Medical history is reviewed and paperwork is filled out and signed for consent to be tested.

Lastly, the candidate is given two long Q-tips to swab each cheek. The specimens will be tested to determine Human Leukocyte Antingens type. It's a process so simple that this writer went through it and can possibly be a match for Branigan, or another patient in the National Bone Marrow registry.

“I think that’s what these communities are about—helping each other out,” Debbie Elcik of Rocky Point said. 

Those who missed out on the drive can still register at home by going to getswabbed.org to request a home kit.