Former New City resident, Wendy Star organized this bone
marrow drive to help her friend’s six-year-old son, Jake, find his bone marrow match. In February, Jake was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called severe aplastic anemia. The condition has caused his bone marrow to fail – it does not make enough blood cells.
His life has been turned upside down since February. Kindergarten has been replaced with homeschooling and a daily regimen of medications, along with weekly doctor's appointments, blood tests and transfusions. Now, six months after diagnosis, he faces a bone marrow transplant, his best hope for a cure.
Though Jake lives in San Francisco and is receiving treatment in Milwaukee, his friends in Rockland County are aiming to help him find his bone marrow match
during the JCC’s Open House and Wellness Fair. It’s a public event and they are all hoping the local Irish population will also turn out to support Jake who is Irish
American. Genetics play an important role in matching.
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The good news? Testing to be a match is quick, painless and easy, a simple cheek swab – especially when it can be done locally.
