Jericho resident Dr. Mark Jay Friedman, a husband and father of two who, as a cardiologist, has spent his entire career saving other people's lives, is currently in the fight of his life, gravely needing a bone marrow match for a transplant operation. Rallying behind a cherished man whose Jericho ties span three generations, the community is turning what was to be an ordinary, though critical, bone marrow drive into an impromptu health fair.

It was nine months ago that Friedman was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Though he underwent chemotherapy treatment, doctors only were able to temporarily curtail the disease, which relapsed and has become so pervasive that only a successful bone marrow transplant can save him.

Friedman's friend, Jericho Board of Education Trustee Hilari Cohen, has organized a drive, at which volunteers can receive a quick, simple blood test to determine if they match. It will take place on Sunday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jericho High School gymnasium. The school is located at 99 Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60. At the drive, donations will also be accepted, which will go to defraying the cost of those who will be tested.

However, explained Cohen, this has become much more than a drive, because Friedman is much more than just an ordinary Jericho resident. Considered a community mainstay, Friedman is a graduate of Jericho High School, and was in one of the first graduating classes of Cantiague Elementary School. He has coached teams in the Jericho Athletic Association and, like his wife Ellen and his children Robyn and Matthew, has been an active member of Temple Beth Torah. "He's touched a lot of people's lives," said Cohen.

And because of Friedman's esteemed medical background, there has been an unexpected outpouring of support from local pharmacy owners, whom Cohen had originally contacted simply to request donations of food for the drive. Recalled Cohen, "They said, 'We'll do better than that. We'd also like to give out pads and pens and talk to people about health.'" Thus, there will be a health fair-like atmosphere at the drive, with small booths or stations where visitors can consult with health professionals.

Those who wish to donate a check by mail may make it payable to the Mark Jay Friedman Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, and can mail it to MJFBMTF, c/o LI Cardiovascular, 1129 Northern Blvd., Suite 408, Manhasset, NY 11030. For further information on the drive, call 822-3754 or 379-2229.