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Mathew, who is suffering
from Lymphoblastic Lymphoma,is desperate for a bone marrow
transplant. This is the only chance for survival medically. He
is only 26 years old. He came to USA about 4 years ago to
complete a master's degree. He got a job in Erie, Pa. at the end
of last year, and a few months later he was diagnosed with
cancer. About two weeks ago he was transferred to Cleveland
Clinic at Cleveland, Ohio. As no family was there to assist him
both of his parents were asked to come to States. They have no
family or friends in this area. They belong to Orthodox Church
in Hyderbad. They are originally from Kundara, Quilon Dist.
His only brother in India is not a match. Patients in need of a
bone marrow transplant are most likely to match with someone
from the same ethnic group. The National bone marrow registry's
Asian pool is very, very small. I spoke to the person in charge
of the bone marrow drive at the Red Cross in Cleveland. Since we
are a minority the Red Cross will do the bone marrow drive free
of charge provided we have a minimum of 25 people. This involves
us finding and setting up a place to have the bone marrow drive,
having enough volunteers, and a blood drawing after signing a
consent form. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks of testing to
determine if anyone is even a match.
Mathew does not have the luxury of time.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 61 is eligible as long as they
do not have the following medical conditions----Asthma,
Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Back, Hip and Spine problems.
If you want more information you can visit the Red Cross web
site at http://www.marrow.org or call the Red Cross Marrow Donor
Program at ((888) 862-7769).
The Red Cross person told me that recently there was a bone
marrow drive in Cleveland and across the country for a 6 year
old Indian boy named Rajan Vyas with Leukemia from Detroit and
he got a transplant ( http://www.hopeforrajan.org ).
Please contact your Indian friends in any other state and they
can contact the local Red Cross Bone Marrow division to be
tested on behalf of Mathew Panicker at Cleveland, Ohio.
The Red Cross will also arrange a drive free of charge anywhere
in the country with enough people. If we can save a life, please
volunteer.
Posted by
Raichal T. Mathew, M.D.
Cleveland, Ohio |
