Marcelino's Battle

Today, I got the worst phone call I could have ever imagined. My best friend Michelle, Aleena's Godmother, called to tell me that her only son has been diagnosed with Leukemia. They discovered this because earlier in the week, Marcelino had been complaining of pain to his stomach/kidney area. The doctors thought he had a urinary tract infection. They tested this and it was negative. He was released back home. Friday night (April 30th) Marcelino was doubled over in pain. Blood was taken and the next day, May 1st...confirmed.....Leukemia. The bone marrow in Marcelino's ribs and lower extremities was swelling to fight the infection causing Marcelino's bones to ache with excruciating pain.

Michelle called me that Sunday to break the news. I was working overtime at work and my first instinct was to jump on a plane and be by her side. I later thought that the best course of action was to wait for the time when she absolutely needed me there....When family has gone and when she would have to juggle Marcelino, work, husband, and her other 2 precious daughters.

The Leon-Cordova family has a lot of support. I am grateful that Michelle is the genuine and loving person that she is because the support that she has received from her family, friends, and community is reflected in that.

UPDATE: Marcelino was released from the hospital after 16 days. During that time, he underwent surgery to put in a valve to feed the chemo therapy, drugs for pain, and IV fluids. He was given a round of intense Chemo Therapy which fortunately showed positive results. His pain has subsided. In the course of blood tests and treatment, Marcelino was diagnosed with a rare Philadelphia disease. A disorder where 2 chromosomes are transposed in the strand of DNA. This means that Marcelino will show positive signs of recovery and will go into remission, but then the cancer will attack 2 fold. So to prepare, donors are being collected for bone marrow. The best match is still to be determined, but the doctors look to his youngest sister...9 month old Giavanna. If Gia is an exact match, she will have to be put under anesthesia to remove bone marrow, then because of her petite size and age, she will then need a blood transfusion. Meanwhile, Marcelino will have the heaviest round of Chemo therapy...essentially killing all of his blood cells (red and white). His organs will remain alive on life support type of system. Then Gia's bone marrow will be transferred into Marcelino's with the hopes that it will multiply and grow into healthy cancer free bone marrow. It is terrifying to think that to save Marcelino's life, Michelle and Joaquin will have to risk Gia's life. God only knows the best answer, but maybe this is why Michelle and Joaquin were blessed with baby Gia...to be the savior for her older brother. God only knows.
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TODAY(May 31) : Marcelino is at home. A cheery young man who has lost all of his hair. But thanks to his uncle Skooter, being bald is now fashionable. Skooter and his friend shaved their heads in honor of Marcelino...a very touching tribute I might add. Marcelino is currently in remission. His red blood cells are increasing on their own without the need of blood transfusions which is amazing! They are waiting to find out if any of the family members are the best match for Marcelino. As I understand it, the doctors will be testing Marcelino's bone marrow. He may need a more harsh round of chemo therapy in the next couple weeks. Michelle has expressed that since this procedure will be an inpatient procedure versus outpatient due to the intensity of the chemo..she may need me there. All she has to do is say the word and I'm there.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Be a hero! Give blood and while your at it...sign the paperwork to be a bone marrow donor. It's not like giving up an organ..It's vital life long, reproducing blood cells that only bone marrow can give. Blood transfusions replace the blood that has been lost, it cannot generate new blood cells...Only bone marrow can do this. Be a hero...go to www.bethematch.com and fill out the information to be a bone marrow donor. You never know if you or a loved one you know will need to be a recipient. It may save your life one day.