Sanjivan - The Organ Donation Blog

I came across the news of a five year old boy needing bone marrow transplant. I was surprised and then read more about him. Jacob suffers from X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP) , a rare form of cancer and immune system deficiency. I was really sad to know that he was diagnosed with XLP when he was a month old. XLP affects only males and if left untreated it can be fatal.

Jacob had a unsuccessful bone marrow transplant last year and is trying to get an another one. Doctors using chemotheraphy have wiped out XLP from his body but untill a bone marrow donor can be found, Jacob cannot come out of the clean room environment at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Also there are chances that XLP can reoccur so he needs a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible.

Blood donation keeps Jacob alive until he finds the correct donor.

To make an appointment to donate blood in Pico Rivera, call Rebecca Salcido at (562) 949-4668. To donate blood or platelets through Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, call (323) 660-2450.

Thanks to whittierdailynews for the information.

I am happy to note that the Rose Bowl Parade this year will have a float from Donate Life. The aim of the float is to create awareness and make everyone understand that there are over hundred thousand people waiting for an organ to be donated. The float will  feature “floragraphs” - portraits created with flowers and floral materials - of organ donors.

Bonnie Lundy-Kwan will be there in the float. A little background about her - She has received a heart transplant at the age of 17 and currently runs a non-profit agency called Transplants for Children. Her agency helps children find donors and also helps them post donation. Bonnie is from San Antonio and is also an endurance runner and an avid cyclist. For Bonnie, this float is special as her donor - Shay Ledbetter’s floragraph will be depected.

Look out for the float and let me know your feedback.

Wish you all a happy new year !

I saw this wonderful ad about Childrens Organ Transplant Association and wanted to share it with you. Please pass on this message