We got a word from a reader that one of Desi Village‘s family members, Rashed, is hosting a marrow donor drive this Sunday, Jan. 8, from 1 – 3 p.m. to try to find a match for his 4-year-old son Raqib. In May 2011 Raqib was diagnosed with life threatening HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), the only cure for which is a marrow transplant. Unfortunately, the national marrow registry doesn’t have a match for him so he needs your help. Please join the drive and be tested to find a match for Raqib. The test is just a swab.
The drive will take place in Upper Darby, at the American Legion Post #214, 6914 Chestnut St.
Here you can find more information on the National Marrow Registry.
January 5th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
I know Rashed well from the many South Asia Center events skillfully and wonderfully catered by Desi Village. His son really needs our help, so please come and support this effort.
The Upper Darby location is only about 10 minutes drive from our hood, and the non-invasive test takes minutes. Please come, & tell other neighbors!
January 6th, 2012 at 12:14 am
What if you would like to take the test but cannot go at that time on Sunday? Thanks!
January 6th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@Aline: Good question! I have a schedule conflict, too, and I looked around a little bit to figure this out. It turns out you can register by mail for the Bone Marrow Registry cost-free through the month of January. See this link:
http://marrow.org/Join/Join_Now/Join_Now.aspx
January 9th, 2012 at 10:51 am
the process of registerign was fairly simple…took me about 5 minutes. the kit comes free in the mail with postage paid envelope to return the sample. I encourage anyone/everyone to get screened and help out!