A student at P.S. 154 was recently diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that has no cure. However, experimental treatments are available, including a bone marrow transplant in which cells with a defective gene are replaced by cells with a normal gene.
The disorder is adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). It destroys nerve cells throughout the brain. The body can't break down big fat molecules. Symptoms include visual disturbances, impaired coordination, dementia, and seizures. The symptoms progress rapidly and lead to a vegetative state within two years and death anytime after that.
In hopes of saving this child's life, P.S. 154 is holding a bone marrow drive on Monday, June 27th, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
People are eligible to donate if they're age 18 to age 60 and they don't have
- AIDS/HIV
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Back, Neck, Hip, and Spine issues related to Herniation
- Bleeding Problems
- Brain Injury/Surgery
- Breathing Problems/Sleep Apnea
- Cancer
- Diabetes - Insulin Dependent
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease/Stroke
- Hepatitis
- Kidney Problems
- Liver Disease
- Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Disease
- Organ or Tissue Transplant
- Pregnancy
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Tuberculosis
At the bone marrow drive, people will be asked to complete a registration form with contact information, health information, and a signed agreement to join the Be The Match Registry.
To help you complete the form, bring along:
To help you complete the form, bring along:
- Personal identification, such as a driver's license or passport and
- Contact information for two family members or friends who would know how to reach you in the future if your contact information changes.
You'll give four swab samples of your cheek cells to be tissue-typed. The results will be used to match you to patients.
The subsidized cost for this drive is $25 per registrant. If you can't pay but you want to join, the cost will be covered for you.
For more information, visit the Be the Match website.
The subsidized cost for this drive is $25 per registrant. If you can't pay but you want to join, the cost will be covered for you.
For more information, visit the Be the Match website.
P.S. 154 is at 1625 11th Avenue at the corner of Sherman Street.