BAKERSFIELD - A bone marrow transplant could save the life of 11-month-old Jayce Walker who has Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
"He is struggling with his cells,” said Misty Thompson, Jayce’s grandmother. “Pretty much attacking his body. Most of the leukemia has settled in his face. But, he has to have blood and platelet transfusions on a regular basis, about two times a week."
The Bakersfield boy is undergoing chemotherapy at Childrens Hospital in Madera, but his grandmother was at Houchin Blood Bank on Wednesday to take part in "Donate Life Day." It was a drive to collect, blood and platelets and register people for a possible bone marrow match.
"So, it would mean the world if I was a match to him and help save his life,” said Jason Woods who registered to be a bone marrow match.
Tiger Rossi is back after successfully donating bone marrow earlier this year. He says the rewards outweigh any discomfort during the donation process.
"It was painless for the gain and what you can do for somebody,” Rossi said. “It was well worth it. It was a great experience."
The drive is not just about Jayce, it's a chance to help others as well.
"You may not be able to help Jayce,” Thompson said. “But, you may be able to help someone else. Somebody else's child, somebody's mother, father, grandmother. Who knows?"
On Wednesday, 32 people registered to become possible bone marrow donors for Jayce or someone else in need.
All it takes is a simple swab of your cheek to get you into the registry.
You can stop by either Houchin Blood Bank location to get registered or donate blood and platelets.