CHP Holding Series Of Bone Marrow Drives For Cancer-Stricken OC Officer

DUARTE (CBSLA.com) — California Highway Patrol officers from across the state are working together to help an Orange County officer in his battle against bone-marrow cancer.

Officers are holding seven bone-marrow registration drives across the Southland this week, from Ventura to Temecula. For a full list of sites, go here.

They're hoping to find a match for veteran officer Keith Meter.

"Keith has been out there, he's been saving many lives throughout his whole career," said CHP Lt. Scott Moorhouse. "It's time that we're going to save his life."

At a Bakersfield drive Monday, prospective donors were tested with cheek swabs. Organizers were also hoping that by registering new prospective donors, other bone-marrow cancer patients could find matches.

Meter said he was incredibly thankful for his colleagues' contributions.

"My CHP family has stepped up more than you could ever imagine," he said. "I'm super, super appreciative for all they've done for me."

Meter was in what appeared to be great health when he got his first hint of his condition.

Meter was attempting to donate bone marrow to an 8-year-old girl — he was contacted that they were a match — but was told his blood levels were too low to meet donor requirements.

"I ignored the fact that they told me to go to the doctor," said Meter, an 18-year CHP veteran. "I felt fine."

But it was the first in a series of events that would lead to his diagnosis with myelodysplastic syndrome, an aggressive form of bone-marrow cancer.

His condition became clearer last year, when Meter suffered a mountain biking crash, triggering shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting spells.

When he sought further treatment, doctors found that he had less than half of the blood needed in his body.

Doctors ordered a blood transfusion and a bone-marrow biopsy. He was subsequently diagnosed with MDS.

Bone-marrow transplants are considered the best hope for treating Meter's form of cancer. Still, recipients run the risk of infections, rejection and organ damage.

Meter is also receiving chemotherapy treatment and has been unable to continue his work as an officer.

"There's no cure for what I have," Meter said. "The only cure would be to get the bone-marrow transplant."

Prospective donors can register on the "Be The Match" website.

Click here for more information on the registration drive.