SANTA ANA : Matching Marrow Sought for Girl, 11
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The Red Cross is seeking potential bone marrow donors to help an 11-year-old girl suffering from a rare blood disease, a spokeswoman said.
The Red Cross will conduct marrow screening from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. 3rd St.
Donors are needed to aid Alejandra Valencia, who suffers from aplastic anemia, a potentially fatal blood disease. Because tissue type is inherited in the same manner as eye, hair and skin color, the chances of finding a match are greatest when donor and recipient are in the same ethnic group, spokeswoman Judy Iannaccone said.
Alejandra is a Latina, so Latino donors are more likely to match, although matches with donors from other ethnic backgrounds are possible. Those who are tested will be asked to give a small blood sample.
Chances of finding a suitable donor may run as high as one in 1 million, Iannaccone said.
For more information on becoming a marrow donor, call (800) 627-7692.
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