In January 2010, Gene was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Gene is hoping for a donor for a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. With only 27% of the donor registry represented by minority populations, he and his family are hoping that all of you will consider becoming donors, especially if you are Latino, African-American, Pacific Islander and Native American. Gene has been a special educator for 35 years. He has committed his career to working with students with special needs and their families, and to creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the teaching profession. He also enjoys time outdoors: sailing in San Diego, and spending time in his home state of New Mexico, with friends at an organic farm.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
10:00AM– 4:00 PM
SDSU Aztec Center
Free Speech Steps (Aztec Center Steps)
Being screened for the registry is painless, takes less than 15 minutes, and only involves swabbing your cheek. Donating is also much less difficult or painful than you may believe or have heard. 3 out of 4 marrow donors do so via a simple blood donation method that is painless. We have attached a few documents that explain the registry and donation methods to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. You also may use the URL links below to view these documents and some videos including call for donors by Shaquille O’Neal
Please help find Gene and others a bone marrow match and the opportunity to beat deadly diseases.
Please forward this to friends, family and anyone who might be interested in saving a life. I’ve also attached more information if you have questions about this process. I (Theresa M. Garcia) will be there on Tuesday the 23rd, hope to see you too!
Thank you
Shaquille O’Neal has just partnered with Be The Match. Check out his video at this site:
http://www.marrow.org/HD/awareness2010/index.html