When he was diagnosed with leukemia, 11-year-old Pat Pedraja quickly learned how hard it is for many patients to find a bone marrow match.

So he and his family organized “Driving for Donors,” a series of marrow donor registration drives in 28 American cities.

During the drive, registrants can sign up at no cost (tissue typing normally costs around $50). At-home testing kits also will be available for those unable to attend the event.

The drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on July 13 at City of Hope’s Cooper Auditorium in Duarte, Calif.

For more information about this marrow and blood drive or to request an at-home kit, contact Kim Ramos at 800-535-7119, ext. 63262, or email mramos@coh.org.