LASKER – On the exterior, Caleb Topping appears like any normal 18-year-old.

It’s the interior that is in need of help.

Topping, a graduate of Northeast Academy and a current student at Roanoke-Chowan Community College where he’s majoring in Industrial Systems Technology, was diagnosed in January with Leukemia.

“As part of the treatment I have to do three chemotherapy treatments and after my next one my doctor will determine whether or not I need a bone marrow transplant,” Topping said. “That transplant may help ensure that the cancer never comes back.”

To aid in that effort, Topping’s former classmates, teachers and administrators at Northeast Academy are hosting a Marrow Donor Registry Drive from 8 a.m. until 12 noon on Wednesday, April 16 at the school, located at 210 Church Street in Lasker. Eligible donors are required to be in the 18-to-44 age range. The test involves a simple cheek swab and takes only a few minutes.

“By joining the Registry you are saving peoples’ lives worldwide who are in need of a bone marrow transplant. You may be the one to save a life,” Topping said.

For more information, visit www.bethematchfoundation.org.