Cancer is a random killer. It can strike any one of us at any time. For many patients suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers and genetic diseases, there is hope of a cure through a bone marrow transplant. That is, of course, if a donor can be found.
Adath Emanu-El will hold a donor recruitment drive at the synagogue on 205 Elbo Lane to register potential bone marrow donors on behalf of Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. The drive will benefit Wendy Wax, who is in need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant. The event, scheduled on Sunday, May 4, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is part of our Mitzvah (good deed) day at Adath Emanu-El.
Wendy Wax, a congregant of Adath Emanu-El and a mom to a kindergarten-age child, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia only as recently as this past week. It is aggressive and she is now full time at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she will remain undergoing treatment for at least four weeks. Her family has reached out to us in the hopes of finding a bone marrow match for a stem cell transplant. It has been explained that this transplant is vital to her recovery. They are looking for donors between the ages of 18 to 44. Tissue type is inherited, so Wendy’s best chance of finding a genetic match lies with donors of Jewish descent. Wendy and other patients like her, need to find a donor that is their perfect match. That perfect match could be you.
Volunteers of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to join the registry. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60 and in general good health, you are eligible to be screened and join the worldwide registry for patients in need. A simple swab from the inside of your cheek is all it takes to determine if you are a match for Wendy or another person in need.
