Diagnosed with JMML, 2 year-old Kevin passed away August 17, 2001
In Memory of Kevin John Seitz
WOW - what an amazing turnout at last years CHOC Walk! I started 6 years ago to help heal from the pain of losing Kevin. I never imagined that I would be a part of a team of over 200 supporters that give back to CHOC as I do every year. The WALK has been the best way to celebrate Kevin John and share his story.
Every year you all continue to overwhelm me with your Support and Dedication to OUR BUDDY KEVIN and to CHOC. You all make all the difference for these children and their families and CHOC. We were all among heroes and angels.
Lots of love and I hope to see you again this year -
Catherine
SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS YEAR'S CHOC WALK - Sunday 10/21/2007
Click on Our Buddy Kevin's heart below to register
Patients all over the world need people like you to donate marrow, blood stem cells or umbilical cord blood, or to help in other ways. There are many ways you can contribute!
A bone marrow transplant is simply the replacement of diseased marrow with marrow from a healthy donor that is infused into a patient's veins through an IV. The transplanted marrow begins to produce normal blood cells in the patient within two to three weeks of the transplant. Various types of leukemia, aplastic anemia, severe combined immune deficiency syndrome, sickle cell anemia and radiation poisoning can be treated with marrow transplantation. However, the odds are 1 in 20,000 of identifying a compatible marrow donor. Because 70% of the people in the Registry are Caucasian, odds for compatibility for patients of the minority heritage run much lower.
In order to donate you must be between 18 and 55 years old and have no history of hepatitis, heart disease, cancer or AIDS. You must also sign a standard consent form that allows the Registry to include your HLA tissue type in its confidential, computerized files for future matching. You also need a positive attitude and pride in order to be a successful donor. Please help us add many much needed names to the national bone marrow Registry. The time it takes will mean little compared to the value of your gift!!!
