Banning Teacher with MDS Undergoing Chemo: Fundraiser is Planned April 21

A teacher from Central Elementary in Banning is 10 days into chemotherapy treatment for smoldering leukemia in Riverside, and he expects to undergo a bone marrow transplant later this month in Los Angeles County, a colleague said Thursday.

Kindergarten teacher Ray Alcala, also known as Mr. A, said last month his students "give me the energy and the will to fight this disease."

Alcala's co-workers, students and their families are planning a fundraiser to help defer his medical costs, Central Elementary teacher Elisa Barr said.

The Italian Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday April 21 at Nicolet Middle School.

The cost is $7 per person presale. Lasagna, salad, bread, and dessert will be served. Coffee and tea will be available, and additional drinks will be 50 cents each.

"All proceeds will go directly to Mr. Alcala's family as they continue to battle Leukemia," organizers said. "Thanks so much for your support."

Alcala is 40 years old and he's been teaching 14 years, he said in an interview in March. He is married to Sayra Alcala, and his children Celeste, 6, Ismael, 13, and Raymundo, 14, attend Central Elementary, Nicolet Middle and Banning High, Alcala said.

Alcala has been diagnosed with MDS, also known as smoldering leukemia, a disruption of the bone marrow, Barr said at a . Alcala's treatment requires a bone marrow transplant and he recently found a donor match.

Barr asked the Banning Unified School District board of trustees to help publicize an effort to register potential donors for the National Marrow Donor Program on March 24.

"Luckily, I found a match, but many other people are still looking for a donor," Alcala said before the event. "That is why, I feel it is important to continue with the bone marrow drive.

"My platelets have been dropping dramatically and yes I have been going in for platelets at least once a week to the Kaiser in Riverside," Alcala said.

"The transfusion usually takes about one hour and a half. Some days I do feel tired, but other days I do feel full of energy. Going to work helps a lot. Might sound cliché, but I need to be around my kiddies (students). They give me the energy and the will to fight this disease."

is at 101 E. Nicolet St., Banning. For more information about the fundraiser, call at (951) 922-0264.