Alameda Girl Desperately Needs Bone Marrow Transplant

ALAMEDA, CA — This curly-haired cutie loves to dress-up, play outside, eat chocolate chip cookies and be a big sister. And here's one more important bit of information about 5-year-old Norah of Alameda — she needs lifesaving intervention to have a chance to grow up.

Norah has a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi Anemia (FA).

"Essentially, FA interferes with her body's ability to properly repair its DNA," a website set up to help Norah explains. "If untreated, it increases her risk of leukemia or bone marrow failure to 90 percent."

The only treatment for FA is a bone marrow transplant. Her family members aren't a match so they've set out on a quest to find a stranger somewhere in the world who can save their little girl.

Norah's mom and dad, Rachel and Zach Gratz-Lazarus, are shouldering the responsibility of finding a donor while Norah concentrates her efforts on being the best Pre-Kindergarten student possible. Zach wants you to understand how easy it is to join the bone marrow registry. You simply register online at Be the Match, receive a cheek swab in the mail, swab the inside of your cheek and mail it back.

Register now to receive a cheek swab

You will be notified if you are a match for Norah or someone else who needs a potentially life-saving transplant. If the thought of donating bone marrow frightens you, consider this from Norah's website, "Donating bone marrow is not like donating an organ that you don't get back. Your cells replenish themselves in 4 to 6 weeks. Because only 1 to 5 percent or less of your marrow is needed to save a patient’s life, your immune system stays strong." The process is described as slightly more intense than a blood draw.

Bone marrow donations from people between the ages of 18 and 44 lead to more successful transplants. For this reason, registration for people in this category is free. Between the ages of 45 and 60, the registration costs $100. Those 61 and older are not eligible. However, if you are unable to donate due to age or medical condition, Norah's family is looking for people willing to host a drive.

Get information on hosting a drive

While Ashkenazi Jews are most likely to match Norah, everyone is encouraged to participate. Her parents believe that even if you aren't a match for their daughter, you may save someone else's life. Meanwhile, Norah's match may come from another family's efforts. "Generosity begets generosity."

Norah's website

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— Photos used with permission. Top photo taken by Norah's parents. Other photos credit Eron Truran Photography