LORENA, Texas (KWTX) Lorena residents and others from around Central Texas turned out Monday to register as bone marrow donors in support of a first grade teacher with a rare medical condition, the only cure for which is a bone marrow transplant.

Melinda Colyer, who teaches at Lorena Primary School, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome with myelofibrosis about two weeks ago.

"It's actually a disease that causes the destruction of your stem cells in your bone marrow. They do consider it a form of cancer. The only cure that will be provided is through a bone marrow transplant, Colyer said.

She said receiving the news was tough, but she says shes a fighter.

I decided to pick myself up and was able to go forward and that's what I'm doing at this point, said Colyer.

Lorena Primary School Principal Liza Cunningham said Colyer shines with positivity despite the diagnosis.

"Ms. Colyer is one of the most upbeat people you will ever meet in your entire life. She always has a positive attitude, she has a love for kids. It's very apparent in everything she does, said Cunningham.

The drive Monday was held at Midway High Schools Distance Learning Center.

The process takes less than five minutes, and involves a mouth swab to collect DNA samples.

Prospective donors must be in good health and between the ages of 18 to 44.

Anyone interested in becoming a bone marrow donor can sign up with Scott & Whites Marrow Donor Program.

"She wants everybody to go out and be tested because even if we are not a match for her, we would be a match for somebody else. And that's really what she's been telling us about this whole event and that's very selfless of her, Cunningham said.

See more here:
Lorena: Residents support teacher who needs bone marrow transplant - KWTX