Trouble with Stem Cell Transplants: A Dearth of Donors
Desimond Viray is a Californian in his early ‘30s. He works in IT support for Jelly Belly Candy Company and lives with his wife and four children. Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Each year, nearly 9000 new cases of CML arise in the U.S. While Viray — and many other patients with blood diseases — have several treatment options, the best chance of a cure is usually through either a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. In fact, over 12,000 patients each year are in need of transplants like these to cure life-threatening ailments like the various forms of leukemia and lymphoma.
For years, Viray has been trying to obtain this potentially life-saving treatment. His biggest obstacle? He’s Filipino American.
Article By: Jordan Wilkerson
Figures By Nicholas Lue
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