Cayden Addison, a first-grader from Chesapeake, Virginia, is in need of a bone marrow transplant to save his life. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at the age of three, Cayden underwent two years of chemotherapy and it appeared that the nightmare was over. However, in January 2023, he relapsed. His family is now searching for a bone marrow donor, which may be more challenging to find due to his African American ancestry. Historically, patients of African American descent have had a 29% chance of finding a match, according to spokesperson Kate McDermott from the NMDP (formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program and Be the Match). The NMDP operates the most diverse marrow registry in the world and encourages individuals to register online for free.
Bone marrow transplants are often the only hope for patients like Cayden. Donating blood stem cells is similar to donating blood platelets, while donating bone marrow requires surgery. Cayden’s mother, Courtney Addison, is raising awareness about the need for more people to join the registry, not just for her son but for all those in need. She emphasizes that no mother or child should have to go through the waiting and uncertainty of finding a match. Individuals interested in becoming donors or learning more about the process can visit the Be the Match website.
To read the full article and learn more about Cayden’s story, [click here](https://www.wavy.com/news/health/chesapeake-7-year-old-needs-bone-marrow-donor/amp/9566783).
