Unfortunately, there's no match in Derick's family, so they're reaching out to the community. While a match could come from anyone, the closest matches will likely be from bi-racial, Asian-Caucasian -- especially Korean-Caucasian -- donors. Here's a message from his sister:
Hello All,The fact of the matter is, there are just not enough Asian Pacific Americans registered as bone marrow donors, when there are so many people in need. Getting registered is easy, and could actually save someone's life. To learn more about Derick, his condition, and what you can do to help, go to his profile page here.
My brother, Derick, is 17, a senior in high school, and currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment for his Acute Lymphocyctic Leukemia. He is in need of a marrow donor, and because he is bi-racial, Korean and European/American, the search for a compatible match will be difficult. 80% of marrow donors are Caucasian with a sliver of the few being of Asian descent.
This is why I am making a call out to the larger community. I have created a profile page with the Be the Match program. If you are not already registered, please do. It's easy and may be a way to save a life. Please pass this on.
Please note that you will need to copy and paste the address to go directly to the online donor form.
www.bethematchfoundation.org/site/TR?px=1458855&fr_id=1451&pg=personal
Also, if you have ideas and venues at which I can set up a live marrow drive, please let me know.
Much love and appreciation to you!
Michelle Yi-Martin