NYC Dad's Race Against Time for Son's Life

A New York City father is urgently seeking a stem cell donor for his 15-year-old son, Max, who has a rare blood disorder. Diagnosed in December 2024, Max's condition involves low red, white, and platelet counts, progressing towards bone marrow failure. His family faces a critical deadline, with hospitalization and the need for a stem cell transplant scheduled for May 2025.

The search for a suitable donor is complicated by Max's mixed heritage, being half-Colombian and part European. This complex genetic makeup significantly reduces the probability of finding a perfect HLA match, as compatible donors are most likely found within similar ethnic backgrounds. The National Marrow Donor Program reports lower match chances for individuals with mixed ancestries.

Without a compatible donor, Max's medical team may need to proceed with a partial match, which carries a higher risk of complications like graft versus host disease and a lower survival rate. The family emphasizes the need for increased donor registration, particularly from individuals with diverse backgrounds, to help save Max's life. Interested donors can request a free test kit from the Team Max website.