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Brian Rojas, a 14-year-old from Dover Plains, is in urgent need of a blood stem cell transplant to combat myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of disorders caused by deformed or malfunctioning blood cells. His family is actively searching for a matching donor, as 70% of patients with blood-related illnesses rely on donors outside their families, according to DKMS, an organization dedicated to fighting blood cancers.
A donor drive is scheduled for Saturday (March 8) at the Knights of Columbus Grand Ballroom on Westchester Avenue in Port Chester, New York, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive aims to find eligible stem cell donors through a simple cheek swab. DKMS highlights that minority populations, including Hispanics like Rojas, are underrepresented in the donor pool, making it more challenging for them to find matches.
The family encourages anyone in good health, especially those from the Hispanic community, aged 18 to 55, to participate. Potential donors will complete a registration form, undergo a medical eligibility review, and provide a cheek swab sample.
Rojas, a freshman honors student and athlete at Dover Plains High School, has faced health challenges throughout his life. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic brain disease at age four and underwent gene therapy, which gave him a second chance at life.
For more information about the donor drive and how to help Brian Rojas, please visit the DKMS website or attend the event in Port Chester.