LOOKING FOR A MATCH — Chris Ishida’s search for a bone marrow donor is complicated by his biracial heritage. photo courtesy of the Ishida Family
Chris Ishida, a 19-year-old Glenview, Ill., native, needs a bone marrow transplant. Ishida was diagnosed in December 2010 with severe aplastic anemia, which according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, means that he doesn’t make enough new blood cells. Without a bone marrow transplant, the condition is fatal.
Chances of a bone marrow match are complicated because of Ishida’s mixed racial heritage. A match was not found in the Nikkei’s family. Ishida’s best chances for finding a successful match are said to come from an 18- to 30-year-old male who is of Japanese and Caucasian descent.
To become a potential bone marrow donor, register with the Be The Match Registry online or in person. More information on registering is available by calling 1-800-627-7692 or visiting www.marrow.org.
The process entails filling out a registration form and signing an agreement and giving a swab of cheek cells or a blood sample. Donors must meet health guidelines, and be between the ages of 18 and 60.
For more information about Ishida, e-mail marrowforchrisishida@gmail.com.
I am on the register. Healthy, Blood Type 0-, 49 years old unfortunately I am a woman =(
My niece, Jenny, was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 8 years old. After many, many wonderful people donated in Jenny’s name, a bone marrow match was found for her. Today, Jenny is a beautiful, healthy, almost-25 year old young lady. Miracles happen every day… PLEASE DONATE!