In Second Fight for His Life, Lemont Man Searches for Bone Marrow Match

Rino La Paglia has been to hell and back—and is going through it again.

The 40-year-old Lemont man beat acute lymphocyte/lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) once, only to find himself fighting it again after more than six years cancer-free. In dire need of a bone marrow transplant, La Paglia is turning to his community for help.

He and his family are asking friends, family and kind-hearted strangers to consider being tested as a possible bone marrow match for the beloved uncle of two.

His sister Maria Murphy said no man would be more deserving of the community’s support.

“He is very family-oriented, an amazing handy man, and will often drop whatever he is doing to help those around him,” Murphy said.

A devoted sports fan, he stays loyal to the Chicago Cubs. He played soccer while attending Lemont High School, and roots for both the USA and his family’s mother country Italy during World Cup play. He enjoys coed softball with his friends and coworkers on a late summer night.

Murphy wouldn’t mention specifics of his prognosis, but said that the transplant is needed to beat the cancer.

The family will host a bone marrow registry event at the Lemont VFW, 15780 New Ave, on Saturday, Nov. 7. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. guests ages 18–44 can have their cheek swabbed to see if they are a match. Those unable to attend who still want to help can visit www.bethematch.org to find a drive near them, or to have the test sent to their house for a self cheek swab that you can mail in.

“It is an easy process to get tested,” Murphy said. “It will only take 5 minutes. Anyone willing to register is not only helping find a match for my brother, but could potentially save another life.”