Chris has been fighting ALL Leukemia almost continuously for six years. Recently he was diagnosed with a new, extremely aggressive
form of AML Leukemia. Without a bone
marrow transplant, Chris will die.



SINCE CHRIS IS Puerto Rican and European,
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND A MATCHED BONE MARROW DONOR. PATIENTS ARE
MOST LIKELY TO FIND A MATCH WITH SOMEONE FROM THE SAME RACIAL OR
ETHNIC BACKGROUND.




HOW YOU CAN HELP??

Download and distribute Chris’s
flyers here.

CHRIS’ LIFE DEPENDS ON RIGHT DONOR

Chris has been fighting ALL Leukemia almost continuously for six years. Recently, he was diagnosed with a new, extremely aggressive form of AML Leukemia. Without a bone marrow transplant, Chris will die.

His courageous struggle against this disease has been an inspiration to everyone in his life. He has faced the many difficulties of being a cancer patient head-on and with great bravery and grace. Throughout his illness, Chris has maintained an upbeat and positive attitude and has met challenges with wry humor. He is adored by his entire medical staff and makes friends with everyone he meets.

Nobody who has not met Chris can fully understand what a unique person he is. He is not your typical cancer patient- for example, he tries to go to the gym and work out whenever he can despite feeling ill from chemotherapy. His kind and positive personality can bring a smile to any face. Chris is also strong-willed and extremely stubborn. This stubbornness has helped him hold off the cancer for so long. When he was told about his latest cancer, Chris said “ I’m going to fight this. I’m a fighter.”

Chris is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Chris was born with Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delay. Despite his handicap, Chris has a wonderful ability to communicate and connect with people. He is a terrific asset at any party because he will fearlessly walk up to strangers and strike up a conversation. At his sisters wedding, Chris grabbed the microphone and gave an impromptu speech that brought down the house. Among other witty comments, Chris said that the groom “is a great guy – just like me.”

Chris has had a profound impact on the people in his life. For example, he inspired his mother to give up a career in business to become a special education teacher. He inspired his sister-in-law to start a nanny service for children with special needs. But most of all, Chris’s bravery at facing his own challenges has inspired everyone in his life to meet their own.

Chris is a wonderful and special person who deserves the chance to live. Because Chris is biracial, it will be very difficult to find a bone marrow match for him. There is not currently a match in the National and International Registries. We are especially hoping that people of mixed Puerto Rican and European decent will sign up to become donors.