You can save a life.
This Saturday, the Perricelli family of Union is hosting a bone marrow registry and blood drive in honor of their son, Evan.
Two years ago, Evan, son of Lisa and Ralph Perricelli of Union, was diagnosed with idiopathic aplastic anemia, a rare form of blood cancer that is often fatal. The Perricelli family discovered that Evan was ill shortly after his kindergarden graduation. The young soccer player and student at Mann Elementary was becoming increasing exhausted and easily bruised.
“Every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone loses a life,” the video explains.
Since his diagnosis, Evan has received a bone marrow transplant that has saved his life. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has provided his care. The match was his brother Lucas. As the video explains, “only 30 percent of the time is there a sibling match and 50 percent of the time people never get the match they need.”
Now, two years later, Evan is cured.
“I’m going into third grade and I’m playing soccer, swimming and fishing. It’s all thanks to my brother Lucas, who was a match.
Although incredibly grateful, the entire experience of waiting for a donor, identifying the match and receiving the marrow was excruciating. Thus, Evan and the Perricelli family have used this experience as motivation to help others.
They will be hosting a bone marrow registry and blood drive this Saturday, Aug. 29 at Kona Ice Korporate, 5945 Centennial Drive in Florence from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People who attend will be asked to register as a donor and do a cheek swab. After that, they can enjoy bounce houses, a cook out and FREE KONA.
For more information, visit the Facebook page Young Warrior Evan’s Bone Marrow Journey.