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A simple donation of blood could save the life of 18-year-old Ramon Orestes Martinez, who suffers from leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant to survive.
When a donor match is found, in 90 percent of the cases, all that is required is to provide a simple blood donation. It’s the stem cells from that blood that Ramon needs. Doctors request donors in the 18-35 age group nearly 75 percent of the time. Research shows cells from young, healthy donors lead to more successful stem cell transplants for patients.
In 2021, Ramon, an expert horseback rider and award-winning roper, noticed a bump on his knee that was diagnosed as Pediatric Osteosarcoma, known specifically for its aggressive malignancy. After grueling chemotherapy treatments and, ultimately, a total knee replacement, Ramon was pronounced cancer-free in 2022.
Then, on July 5, Ramon learned that he now has leukemia, cancer of the blood. The doctors explained that in very rare cases, the chemotherapy treatment Ramon received can cause the development of leukemia.
“Our family has launched a campaign called Swab4Ramon to educate and encourage community members to enroll in the National Marrow Donor Program,” said Yarlem Nunez, Ramon’s sister. “Once enrolled, NMDP will mail a kit to your home. It’s very easy and only involves swabbing the inside of your mouth and sending the kit back.”
Once a donor is found and is willing to participate, all costs involved are covered by NMDP.
Anyone interested in registering for the National Marrow Donor Program can either visit the NMDP website at www.bethematch.org or visit in-person at 7212 NW 56 St. in Miami to be swabbed. You can also text SWAB4RAMON to 61474.
For more information, visit the Instagram account at @Swab4Ramon.
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