Amy Katz is just like most 12-year-old girls -- she plays the trumpet and enjoys soccer.

But unlike most girls, Katz has Leukemia, and the only cure is a bone marrow transplant.

Amy's Army, an organization that holds bone marrow drives in search of donors for patients like Katz, is partnering with the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon to host the first ever Marrow-Thon tomorrow in 128 HUB.

Thon Special Events Overall Andrew Simonelli said in order to donate, students should show up tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., where a small blood sample will be taken from each donor and listed in the National Registry.

Simonelli added that potential marrow donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in relatively good health.

Lisa Katz, Amy Katz's mother, said many students who are turned down as blood donors can probably be tested for bone marrow donations.

"Things like ear piercings, tattoos, low weight and low iron do not affect being tested as a marrow donor," she said.

Unlike blood donors, though, marrow donors must be an exact match, Lisa Katz said.

"Eight million people are currently registered throughout the world to be potential bone marrow donors, none of whom, including her sisters and parents, are a match for Amy," she said.

Operating out of Pittsburgh, Lisa Katz said Amy's Army has held more than 50 marrow drives in the past.

"Thon organizers thought this would be a perfect follow up to [Thon] and give all students the opportunity to continue to help kids with cancer in a different way," Lisa Katz said.

Allyson Motts (senior-recreation and park management) said Lisa Katz contacted her in October, and Motts thought it was a great way for students to stay involved after the Thon weekend.

Lisa Katz created Amy's Army shortly after her daughter was diagnosed in August 2003.

She said the goal of the organization is to increase potential donors to give hope to Amy Katz and others like her.

"We have spent the last 18 months doing drives and now are heading to [Penn State] and hope to have an amazing turn out," she said.

"We are ready to test thousands," Lisa Katz added.