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Published Aug 22, 2014
Noles take part in Kidz1stFund donor drive
Powell Latimer
Warchant.com Staff Writer
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Dozens of Florida State student-athletes filed into the school's Indoor Practice Facility on Thursday, sat down in metal folding chairs and started filling out forms.
As part of FSU's annual Kidz1stFund Bone Marrow Registration Drive, FSU's athletes signed up as potential donors to help victims of disease.
For the past three years, the Kidz1stFund has sponsored a donor registration event for FSU student-athletes as part of the organization's fight against Fanconi anemia.
Fanconi anemia is a rare blood disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure. Ethan Fisher, the youngest son of FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and his wife, Candi, was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.
Bone marrow transplants aren't limited to just Fanconi anemia patients - the donor registry can help with 71 different diseases, and college-age athletes are in the prime demographic for potential donors. Close to 100 Florida State athletes registered at Friday's event.
While the students were motivated to help Ethan, Candi Fisher said her son recently had his three-year checkup and is in good health.
"All his numbers and counts are almost exactly what they were three years ago," Candi said. "We just pray that he keeps holding the same and they keep doing research, and we pray that they're able to do something before he needs a transplant."
Ethan and his older brother, Trey, are near-constant fixtures at FSU games and around the Seminoles' players.
"We're around Ethan as much as anyone," senior offensive lineman Cameron Erving said. "We've definitely been around him and seen him grow. It's amazing. I see Trey now with long hair. Ethan is growing up so fast. You wouldn't be able to tell he was sick. He loves to have fun, he's always interacting with the players and having a good time. It's definitely made us more involved and interested with the situation."
Florida State's seniors also made sure that many of this year's freshman class registered, continuing and fostering a trend at FSU. Even many players who had previously entered the registry did so again to give fresh information.
"I think we're really in a phase where the younger guys are coming in and learning everything from the older guys and becoming more involved," senior tight end Kevin Haplea said. "And I think that trickle-down effect will only help the effort continue on."
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