When I talk to people about marrow registration or Project Michelle, I’m quick to write or talk about how thousands of patients are looking for matches every day, but it’s still difficult for me when I actually learn about a specific patient’s story. Today was one of those days. My heart sank when I read an email from Janell Lamela telling me about her brave daughter Maile who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Maybe I’m already emotionally worn down from our own journey, but I started to cry when I saw her picture and thought about how no 3-year old should be going through what Michelle is dealing with.

For anyone reading the Project Michelle blog for the first time and thinking that they don’t need to register or organize a registration drive anymore now that Michelle is in treatment, think about Maile.

Maile is one of 5 children, including a twin sister. Maile was diagnosed with ALL when she was 5 months old. She did receive treatment when she was an infant and remained in remission for about 19 months. On June 24, 2008, she relapsed, and she is currently receiving treatment. She’s in remission again but needs a bone marrow transplant to help ensure that the disease doesn’t return again. Unfortunately, Maile does not have a match. Maile is Filipino, Puerto Rican, and Mexican.

Here is an interesting story from Janell. Maile is receiving methotrexate (just like Michelle) as part of her protocol. Well, Maile is receiving the treatment, and her twin sister is getting the mouth sores. That’s so crazy to me. I don’t understand how twins are connected like that. I can’t imagine what Maile’s twin is thinking and feeling as her sister is fighting this disease.

Another cute tidbit, Maile is always asking her mom to kiss her on the head, as she is sure that it makes her hair grow back faster.

Be a hero. Please help save Maile.

You can learn more about registering here:
How to Register.

You can learn more about organizing a registration drive in your community here:
How to Organize a Drive.