Some people say that they are against mixed marriages because “it’s not fair to the children.” It turns out that “it’s not fair to the children” in a far, far more serious way…
This year’s historic election illustrates just how diverse our nationis. But experts say you’d never know that by looking at who’sregistered to donate bone marrow. One local woman’s mixed heritagesheds the spotlight on another growing group of individuals indesperate need.
Growing up in two cultures is something 26-year-old Krissy Kobata embraces.
“You always took pride in your heritage because it’s something that is unique and special,” said Krissy.(She means her non-white heritage. — Ed)
But being half white and half Japanese has put her in a uniquesituation. In April, Krissy was diagnosed with myelodysplasticsyndrome.
“It’s a bone marrow failure. My bone marrow isn’t producing any of the healthy cells it needs to be producing,” said Krissy.
She’s stable now, but she could downward spiral tomorrow, next week orthe next year. No one knows. What doctors do know is without a bonemarrow transplant, the disease will worsen.
“They immediately tested my brother and it was devastating when we found out he was not a match,” said Krissy.
Each year, of the 10,000 to 15,000 patients who need an unrelated bonemarrow match only a quarter find one. The odds are much worse forKrissy because she’s bi-racial.
Of the seven million people in the National Marrow Donor Program only 180,000 have multi-racial backgrounds.
“The larger the donor pool the better chance for finding a match,” said Jimmy Loon.