USC Beaufort

USCB's Jason Boulais set for surgery to donate bone marrow

By MIKE McCOMBS - mmccombs@islandpacket.com
USC Beaufort baseball pitcher Jason Boulais, gazes towards the camera during a portrait during a press conference at Sand Shark Recreation Center, USCB Hilton Head Gateway campus, on March 30, 2015. Jason Boulais, is scheduled to donate bone marrow for a young boy next month. The senior found out in mid-February he was a match and needed to give a blood sample for further testing. After doing so, Boulais learned he wasn't just a match -- he was the boy's best match, his best chance at survival. Along with that news came the realization that going through with the process would mean Boulais would miss several games during conference play, and depending on his recovery time, he might not be able to pitch again before the end of the season -- and his career. To watch a video, go to: https://youtu.be/jzPiRwpzpcs
USC Beaufort baseball pitcher Jason Boulais, gazes towards the camera during a portrait during a press conference at Sand Shark Recreation Center, USCB Hilton Head Gateway campus, on March 30, 2015. Jason Boulais, is scheduled to donate bone marrow for a young boy next month. The senior found out in mid-February he was a match and needed to give a blood sample for further testing. After doing so, Boulais learned he wasn't just a match -- he was the boy's best match, his best chance at survival. Along with that news came the realization that going through with the process would mean Boulais would miss several games during conference play, and depending on his recovery time, he might not be able to pitch again before the end of the season -- and his career. To watch a video, go to: https://youtu.be/jzPiRwpzpcs THEOPHIL SYSLO Staff

USC Beaufort pitcher Jason Boulais will travel to Washington D.C. on Monday for a surgical procedure to donate bone marrow.

Boulais made national news in late March and early April when he announced he would forgo part of his senior season so that he could donate bone marrow to a young boy in France.

Kyle Thompson, a senior on the USCB baseball team, posted a note about Boulais on his Facebook page Sunday.

"Good luck to my roommate @Jason_Boulais as he travels to Washington DC to complete his bone marrow operation," Thompson posted.

Boulais respnded, "@kpthomp13 appreciate it! Win some games these next couple days!"

Several members of the USC Beaufort community tweeted their support for Boulais.

Retiring USCB chancellor Jane Upshaw posted, "@Jason_Boulais We are so proud of you. #ChampionForLife #GoSandSharks Good luck to you! In our thoughts and prayers. #yayUSCBandYOU."

The Sand Shark Softball team posted, "@Jason_Boulais Thanks for being an inspiration to those around you! Praying for you! #SandSharkFamily," while USC Beaufort senior pitcher Junior Delatorre tweeted, "Good luck brother! Go save a life while we try and bring you a 'ship! Proud of you man! @Jason_Boulais #mudtide."

In March, Boulais said he never had any second thoughts avout his decision.

"Giving someone a second a chance at life is a lot more important than me going out there and playing five more games," he said. "It is my last year, it is my last shot, but there are more important things out there for other people."

Boulais will not be allowed to meet the bone marrow recipient until doctors are sure the procedure was a success.

The fifth-seeded Sand Sharks (33-21) bowed out of the Sun Conference tournament Sunday with an 11-1 loss to fourth-seeded Southeastern.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2015 at 8:33 PM with the headline "USCB's Jason Boulais set for surgery to donate bone marrow."

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