The Great Neck community will come together to swab their cheeks as part of a bone marrow donor drive with hopes of saving the life of Alison Trontz, a 9 year old fighting a rare, life-threatening immune-deficiency disease called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The swabbing event will take place during a Zumba fundraiser, which will raise the critical funds needed for her growing medical costs, on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. at Temple Beth-El on 5 Old Mill Rd. in Great Neck.
Only one in 1.2 million people are diagnosed with HLH, which prevents the immune system from working properly. Due to its genetic form, a life-saving bone marrow transplant is needed to help Trontz beat the disease.
This event is part of DKMS’ #Swabtember initiative to help bring awareness of becoming a registered bone marrow donor during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Swabbing your cheek is all it takes to register as a potential donor. Approximately 70 percent of people suffering from blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside their families to save their lives. It is especially crucial to raise awareness for ethnic minorities in order to increase their chances of finding a match.
Part of the world’s largest bone marrow donor center, DKMS is an international nonprofit organization leading the fight against blood cancer and other blood-related illnesses by inspiring as many people as possible to register as bone marrow donors, thereby providing patients with second chances at life.
To register to be a bone marrow donor, visit www.dkms.org.
