After seven months of treatment, AJ’s doctors had to tell us that further treatment including radiation was unlikely to have any significant benefit.
We were heartbroken to learn that AJ would not be cured of his cancer. The thought of our one and only baby not being here with us was excruciating. But we have been reassured and we believe that everything that could have been done for AJ, was done.
On May 26 we brought AJ home. Since then, so many of our loved ones have come to visit and spent time with the most amazing little man in the world. He continued to charm everyone with his infectious smile. AJ demanded Ritz crackers as they had become his new favorite snack and ate them by the handful.
But as the days went by his breathing became labored. He grew more tired every day. And it became harder to keep him comfortable. We knew our time together with him was growing short. We tried to burn the feeling of holding him close into our memories. We expressed our love and thanked him for the time we had together. We told him that we knew he was struggling and if he needed to go, it was okay and we will miss him everyday for the rest of our lives.
Early this morning his breathing grew shallow and slow. We knew it would be very soon, so we picked him up and held him one last time.
Alexander Justin De Leon Ison passed away at home in his mother’s arms at 3:30am, June 10, 2021. He was seventeen months old.
We like to think he was greeted in Heaven by his grandmothers. Both had passed before the birth of any of their grandchildren. AJ is now the first one to meet them.
We will hold his memory close to our hearts and our love will last forever.
AJ’s lasting impact to the world might be the huge number of volunteers that registered to be bone marrow donors after hearing about him. Many of you have registered in hopes of helping him specifically. That unfortunately did not happen. But please, you can still honor him by donating to whoever needs bone marrow if you are asked to in the future.
You all have been with us throughout this difficult journey. We are forever grateful for all the love, support, and prayers you, your family, and your friends have given us.
With all our love and gratitude,
Eric and Maria
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I would love to help baby AJ if I can. I am filipino chinese and a mother as well. And would do anything for a baby in need. Please reach out to me and let me know if there any way I can help.
If you are interested in registering as a marrow or stem cell donor, that is what he needs at this point. You can text CURE4AJ to 61474 and a registration link will be sent to you. You must be between the age of 18 & 44.
I am willing to try and help baby AJ
Hi Glenn, if you between the age of 18 and 44 you can request a home kit aadp.org/homekit
I would likevto help but I’m 48.
Hi Michael, if you want to register, you can do it through my.bethematch.org but they will ask you for a $100 donation to pay for your tissue typing. You could also spread the word, that will help a great deal. If you want to volunteer your time or skill, le me know. carol@aadp.org
Hi Michael, if you are still interested in registering, you can through my.bethematch.org but you will be asked to donate $100 for your HLA testing. You could also help spread the word. Thank you.
Oh man. I want to help, but I’m 47.
Hi Abby, If you are unable to register because of your age or for health reasons, you can always spread the word. Be well.
Hi. I am Filipino 41 years old, living in the Seattle area. I would like to help AJ. How do I go about seeing if I an a match?
Hi Josielyn, you would need to join the Be The Match Registry, you can do that by ordering a home kit here on our site aadp.org/homekit. Once you received the kit, follow the instructions carefully, swab the inside of your cheek and return the kit to us in the self-address and stamped envelope that is proved.
Thank you.
If I’m already registered on Be The Match (since 2012), how do I get checked to see if I’m a match? Donor record 667943. 38 year old Filipino.
Thank you Alan. Since you are already in the database of potential donors, Be The Match is checking automatically. They’ll let you know.
Carol, I wish you and your family the best of luck. I am Filipino and would like to help but I am 50 years old.
Hi Maria, thank you. You can help in other ways, you can help spread the word.
I’m praying for your family. I hope you’ll find a donor. I wish I can help but I’m 49. I’m sharing this post.
By sharing the post you ARE helping. Thank you
Other than the age requirement, are there other criteria such as medical history/current medication that could disqualify you as a potential donor?
I would like to be registered donor but I am currently on a high risk medication.
have to know what the medication is in order to give you the correct advice. Could you email me at carol@aadp.org. My email is more private.
I am Filipino …. mother and father both from the Philliipines.
I am willing to help AJ. Please contact me.
Hi Bobby, you would be joining the Be The Match Registry. As long as you haven’t joined in the past, are 18-44 years old and in good general health, you can join the Registry. You can click on this link to register https://my.bethematch.org/cure4aj
I’m a member of the be match. Com but that was since college. I am 29 Filipino decent and I am willing to help. Pls contact me. Pls .
Mylene, thank you. Since you are registered with Be The Match, you are in their database of potential donors. Simply registering means you ARE helping and you’ll be contacted if you are found to be a match.
Hello, I am only part Filipino. Is it still possible that I’d be a match?
Hi Christie, Any amount of common ancestry increases the odds that you will be a match, so yes, please register: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My son is being treated at LPCH for leukemia. I am willing to try and help baby AJ. I understand how you feel.
Hi Ricel, I am so sorry to hear about your son. If they do high-resolution HLA testing on you, let me know. Maybe we can just transfer your results into the registry if that is what you would want. I can help you with that. You can email me when the time comes carol@aadp.org
I had my stem cell transplant last March 2019; I think the hospital kept my “extras”… however, I was 47. Could this help baby AJ? I am a 100 Filipino!
Hi Fe, If you received a stem cell donation (congratulations, I hope you are doing well), they would not use the extra cells for AJ, he will need all he can get and it would still have to match. If you donated your stem cell (you are a hero and we thank you for being a committed donor), then you are in the registry and if you come up as a match to AJ, Be The Match will contact you.
Hi, I am a Filipino mom. I would love to help Aj. Kindly let me know of the process to undertake. You may contact me thru my email.
Hi Maharani, you can register by requesting a home kit on our site aadp.org/homekit. You can check out this link about the two different donation methods. https://www.aadp.org/learn/stem-cell-donation/ Let me know if you have any other questions. Carol@aadp.org
Hello Carol… I would like to help but I’m 45. Should I still try to register?
Hi Jeff, you will have to donate $100 for the tissue typing fee, but honestly, it is extremely difficult to match someone who is not related to you. I don’t want you to lose hope for AJ, but the odds are against you matching with anyone. Also, doctors are selecting younger donors for their patients because the transplant outcome is much better. I wish you all the best. Thank you.
Thank you for this info. I am not within the age group. Will spread the word and donate as well. Prayers for this baby and his parents. Hope he gets a miracle donor soon.
Hello, I am half Filipino and would like to help. I am 36 years old.
Hi Jennifer, you can help by registering. you can request a home kit here on our site, aadp.org/homekit
Thank you.
When my daughter was born we stored her cord blood, where stem cells can be harvested. My daughter is half Filipino. How do we check for a match?
Thank you Camille. If the cord blood was stored privately it can not be use by someone else, but if it’s stored publicly, it’s already in the database.
I would love to help as my uncle just passed away from leukemia. I am Filipino but I am 46. I saw that age limit, any reason why for the age limit?
Hi Ira,
The age limit is there because doctors are selecting younger donors. They have discovered that patients do better with younger donors. We register people between 18-44 years old, but you will remain on the registry until you are 61 years old.
Thank you for your question.
Hi Carol –
I just registered and requested my test swab kit. I really hope I can be a match for Baby AJ.
Thank you very much Pamela.
I would like to help. I am a 41 year old male from Maui
Thank you Greg. Simply by sharing the story, you are already helping. You can also help by filling out a request to register, if you haven’t already. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hi carol. Im 100% filipino and would like to help AJ but I have new onset diabetes which is well managed. Can i still try?
Thank you for asking Sharon, As long as you are not currently using insulin, you may register.
I will sign up!
Thank you very much Regina.
If i already submitted a swab sample 2-3 years ago, do i need to reregister?
Thank you Amelia, No you do not need to register again. You are in the database.
Would you be willing to consider someone who is 45?
Thank you for asking Julie, Be The Match does accept potential donors over the age of 45, but they do charge a fee.
Hello Carol, I am already registered with be the match, is this a different registry? Thanks.
Hello Ann, AADP registers with Be The Match so we are the same registry.
I’m 53 of Filipino descent, but I have 5 adult kids ages 21-29 yo who are Filipino-Black American – does that negate their match?
Hi Michelle, thank you for asking. Being of mixed ancestry does not negate a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
If I registered a few years ago would my info still be on file? I’m 50% Filipina and willing to help!
Hello Danielle, Yes you will still be on file.
I am interested, I am 29, female, 1/2 Filipino 1/2 Caucasian.
I am a mother of twins toddlers. If I request a swab test to see if I am a match, would it only be for AJ? I do not mean to sound selfish, but I really want to help this boy love many more years.
Hello Andrea, If you are found to be a match for someone other than AJ, you can always decline if that’s what you want to do.
I have a copy of my HLA Typing Results from Be The Match. Please let me know who to email to.
Thank you Heidy, Since you are registered with Be The Match you don’t have to email anything. They will contact you if they find you are a match.
Hi I just saw this piece of news and I am willing to be tested if I could be a match for baby AJ….I am 48 though, and I was prompted to be the match. I registered and currently waiting for cheek swab kit. Do these 2 companies coordinate about the results? once I submit the swab I can e mail you and how long before you usually get the results? My heart breaks for the baby and the family….
Thank you Maria, Yes Be The Match does share donor information with other agencies.
I love in Torrance, CA. How do I help?
Hello Maria, you can help by registering to be a stem cell donor, or a financial donor: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/ OR http://www.aadp.org/donations/
Why does it cost $100 to register when I got a swab kit from another Be the match & they don’t require any $$ to register! They send u everything u need swab kit & the envelope to mail it back. They even email u tutorial video of what to do when u get the swab kit. I’m all about helping but shouldn’t charge u that much just to help. Glad I went through Be the match. Full Filipino willing to help AJ or any other individual who’s needing a match!
Hi Verna,
Your comment is incorrect. If you are 18-44 years old, your registration is free. If you are 45 and older, you must pay the $100, that is Be The Match’s rule, not AADP’s. Also, if you are already on Be The Match Registry, you don’t need to register with AADP. We are partners with Be The Match. You should check your facts.
Hi, I would love to help but I’m all the way in Canada. Tried to register for a kit, but I don’t live in the states.
Hi Kristine, Although you can’t register with AADP/Be The Match, you can register in Canada, and they will share database with US registry.
Hi i want to check if im qualify.
Im half filipino from visaya
And half italian.
Female 37yo
2kids. 1normal/2nd cesarian.
Can u send me a kit?
Thank you Armie, the way to find out if you are a potential donor is to request a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I would like to help but I’m 49. What percentage of Filipino descent is needed?
Hi Kristen, there isn’t an exact percentage needed. The more common ancestry you share the more likely a match, but even people with no apparent common ancestry sometimes match.
Hi I’m interested to help but I’m currently pregnant. Do you know if I’m still eligible? Thanks
Hi Kathleen, you can register while pregnant.
Why the age limit I am of philipine decent age 49 is it a health issue I’m very healthy a d would love to help
Hi Ryan, I know the feeling. Well, the transplant doctors are using younger donors because the outcome for the patient is much better. You can still register, but Be The Match will ask you to pay the $100 registration fee. The age limit/max is set by Be The Match.
I would like to try if I can help AJ
If you are interested in registering as a marrow or stem cell donor, that is what he needs at this point. You can text CURE4AJ to 61474 and a registration link will be sent to you. You must be between the age of 18 & 44.
Just requested a swab kit. Shared the link to my filipino friends and family. Prayers sent in your way.
You are fabulous, Joanne. Thank you very much.
I want to help AJ but I live in Australia. I hope he found his right donor.
Get well soon baby AJ.
Hi Sherry, by registering in the Australian database, you still could possibly help AJ.
How can I help AJ?
If you are interested in registering as a marrow or stem cell donor, that is what he needs at this point. You can text CURE4AJ to 61474 and a registration link will be sent to you. You must be between the age of 18 & 44.
Would a person have to be 100% Filipino to be a possible match? I am 25%—my mother is half Filipino, half Causasian.
Hi Kimberly, It all depends on your HLA tissue typing and we won’t know that until your antigens are identified. You will joining the Be The Match registry and you could potentially match anyone in the world in need. If that sounds good to you, request a home kit at aadp.org/homekit
Please confirm the desired donor age is 18-44.
That is correct 18 to 44 years old.
What blood does AJ need? I’m a donor on the Bone Marrow Organization not specifically for Asians
It isn’t blood that he needs, it is bone marrow. If you are already registered with Be The Match, you don’t need to register again. If you are a match with AJ or anyone else, Be The Match will give you a call/text or email.
My sister told me about A J. I would like to see if I can help.
You can text CURE4AJ to 61474 and a registration link will be sent to you
Is there an age limit?
You must be between the age of 18-60 to register. AADP can only register people between 18-44, text CURE4AJ to 61474 and a registration link will be sent to you.. If you are older than 44, you can register with Be The Match, but you will have to pay $100 to join the registry. https://my.bethematch.org.org
I am of Filipino descent. I am 56 years old, and in good health. I do not wish to join the national registry. I only wish to donate to AJ Ison if a match is established.
Hi Arthur, you would have to have the HLA typing done through a private company (https://bonemarrowtest.com/) and then have your results sent to me and I can pass them on to the family to see if you are a match. Let me know if you do this, carol@aadp.org
I have Congestive Heart Failure and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Can I still be a donor?
Hi Bre, I am sorry, but no, you will not be able to donate. You have enough going on in your body at this time. We want you to say happy and healthy. Thank you for your kindness. But you can help spread the word. Be well
I registered as a bone marrow donor nearly a decade ago in college and have since moved back to Northern California. Do I need to register again in order to help?
Hi Mercy, no, you don’t need to register again. You will stay on the registry until you are 61 years old. If you come up as a match, Be The Match will call/text/email you. Keep a lookout for a message and respond right away if Be The Match contacts you. Thank you very much for being a committed donor.
I’m Filipino and like to see if I’m a match. I registered and did a swab years ago. Do I need to order a new test kit? Or will my dna stay in the system forever until I’m a match for someone?
Hi Mariel, no, you don’t need to register again. You will stay on the registry until you are 61 years old. If you come up as a match, Be The Match will call/text/email you. Keep a lookout for a message and respond right away if Be The Match contacts you. Thank you very much for being a committed donor.
Just registered. Hope I can be a match to help AJ!
I am only 1/8 filipino, I am not sure if this is enough?
I am also currently nursing my 8m old.. would I still be eligable to donate?
Hi Sadie, you are probably not a match with AJ because he is 7/8 Filipino. However, you could still join the registry and possibly match someone else in need. You breastfeeding will not prevent you from registering, but it would defer you if you were a match to someone right now.
We actually got stem cells saved from my daughter’s birth. She is half Filipino and we would love to see if she’s a match for AJ.
Hi Marielle, did you save the cord for your own personal use or to a community bank for public use? If you stored it for your own use, I don’t believe it was HLA typed or tested for infectious diseases, or CMV. You can check with your bank, but I don’t think you can donate it, even if it was a match. You can email me at carol@aadp.org if you have any other questions. Thank you.
I’m a Filipino American who is 22 and saw Aj’s story on fb. Just signed up! Hopefully I can be a match to help. God Bless
Hi!
I would send him healing energy… this is miracles healing From Father mother’s GOD. Just whisper to baby AJ ear please accept the healing.
Thank you Joan. Those words are being said.
I am sorry. I would love to try to test for AJ but I just turned 45 yesterday. I am full Filipino.
Hi Pat, there are other ways you can help. Help spread the word or volunteer with AADP, once the world opens up again.
I am 41 years old and had my spleen removed years ago. Would I be able to donate?
Hi Patricia, could you please email me carol@aadp.org. Your spleen being removed may not defer you but why you had it removed may. Let’s talk privately.
I am half Filipino and already a registered donor. How would I know if I’m a match for AJ?
Hi Lolita, thank you for being a committed donor. Be The Match will either call/text/email you that you are a match. Please look out for contact from BTM. Answer them right away because patients don’t have the luxury of time. Thanks you so much for joining the registry.
I’m registered with Be the Match, but I might have forgotten to renew my commitment with them recently. I’m in Kenya now, but I’m still able to donate, if needed. Please email me, if I can help.
Agatha, you do need to renew your commitment with Be The Match. Are you living in Kenya permanently? It will be impossible for you to donate from there. If you are called as a donor, their are blood samples that need to be collected, physical exams, etc. You can’t be flying back and forth over a 2 month period. I can check to see if Kenya has a registry, maybe you could transfer your file there. Please email me carol@aadp.org and I can into this further, if you wish.
I am willing to help. I’m from Fremont California. But living in the Philippines. My heart goes out to your baby. Whatever tests I need to take to try to help your baby I will.
Hi Ryan, you can only join the Be The Match registry if you live in the US. Unfortunately the Philippines does not have a registry. Please join if you ever decide to come back to live in the US.
I am having a baby next week who will be half Filipino, I am gathering her cord blood and cord tissue is this something that could help baby Aj?
Hi Marie, Are you keeping it for your own private use or donating it to a public bank? If donating to a public bank, the cored HLA type will be searched once entered into the bank. If you are storing it for private use, no, it will not be available for the publics and it is too late to change to a donation bank. Congratulations!
Hi! Carol,
I was very emotional when I heard Eric Sion pleading for help from the Filipino community to become a stem cell donor. I am a full blood Filipino and my age is 55. I understand people beyond 44 years old have to pay $100.00 to become a stem cell donor. You know that price is beyond everybody’s budget due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Is that price still current? Can somebody below 44 years old who is half Filipino & Irish Descent can be a stem cell donor? Please, let me know soon how AJ is doing?
Sincerely, Maria Victoria Ward
Hi Maria, Be The Match sets the guidelines, not AADP. Doctors are using younger donors because the outcome for the patient is much better and more successful. We can’t ignore these facts. BTM and AADP are both non-profits and we must be fiscally responsible with the community funds. Therefore, we spend the money where it is will count most and that is with younger donors. Unfortunately, donors over 45 years are called less often, less than 5% of the time. If you registered before you are 45 years old, will will remain on the registry until you are 60 years old. The price is still correct.
We are looking for matching HLA antigens, so only a HLA tissue typing test will determine if someone who is 1/2 Filipino would be a good match. If someone is willing to join the registry, they could potentially match anyone anywhere around the world at any time, up to their 60th birthday.
I donated bone marrow to Chinese girl from Texas and never paid penny. I’m 69 years old but willing to be tested and hopefully I’m his match with no charge.
I’m 100 percent Filipino
I just signed up.hopefully ill be a match for him. My daughter had brain cancer. I know how it feels ans i am willimg to help our cancer families. Pls let us know how we could help.
I am sorry to hear about your child, Joy. This family will get through it with the help from the community, people like you. You just did exactly what this family and other families need, join the registry and hope that some day you will match.
Praying for baby AJ!!! I registered and got swabbed at least 10 years ago with the National Marrow Donor Program. Is that part of the Be the Match program? If so, they should still have my info/results, right?
Yes, NMDP is now Be the Match. Every person registering in the US goes into the Be The Match registry. We are a recruitment partner of BTM. If you ar eon the registry now, your file has been/will be searched to see if you are a match.
I’m 37 Filipino Male from Oakland and I would love to help if possible
Hi Kenneth, you would be joining the Be The Match Registry and could potentially match anyone in the world. You can register by requesting a home kit at aadp.org/homekit
I also had the same problem, i was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia and i need bone marrow transplant. My primary care sent me to UCLA in the oncology center and we found a match which is my sister, but after taking a certain medicine i g I’ll t better and i no longer need transfusion and bine marrow.
Maybe you can contact UCLA. If only i can help you as a blood donor i will be willing to help you. Goid luck and God bless!!
Thank you so much, Bernadette, for the advice. I will let the parents know. I wish you well.
Hello. Keeping you all in my prayers. I am 25% Filipino. Because I am 48, I could not register on this site to see if I’m a match for baby AJ. Please reach out to me if an exception can be made. Thank you.
Hi Krista, unfortunately not. Be The Match sets the age requirement for us. You can register with Be The Match @ my.bethematch.org but they will ask you to donate $100 to join. All the potential doners we register go on the Be The Match Registry.
All the best to you.
I just registered and waiting for my kit. I’m hoping that I am a match, especially since I live in the same area. I am full Filipino with some Chinese and Spanish descent. I am also a brand new mom and cannot imagine what AJ and his family are going through. Sending my thoughts and prayers and hope he finds a match soon.
Just signed up! ♥️
Was able to register and get a kit online.. Im willing to help if i can
I just requested my kit. I pray I can be a match for this baby!
I’m 28 with a Filipino mother, I want to help.
Hi Michael, you can request a home kit at aadp.org/homekit
Hello, I would love to help this baby. I am Filipino/Caucasian. Would I qualify?
Thank you, for asking. If you are between the ages of 18 and 44 years, you will most likely qualify. Although there are certain health conditions that might exclude someone, you most likely qualify if you are between 18 and 44 years of age. Please request a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Not receiving the li k
Hi Jaeson, I don’t understand your message. If you are interested in registering you can request a home kit at aadp.org/home kit.
If you are trying to register and the link isn’t being sent to you, please give me a call 800-593-6667 or email carol@aadp.org
Jaeson – you can use this URL as well – please make sure you use the entire link https://my.bethematch.org/cure4aj
Hello, I am half Filipina and age 38 and live in Florida. Can you explain how the donor process would go if selected? Travel, my job, my family, how the procedure goes, is it painful etc?
Thank you so much
Hi Jennifer, you can check out this link for “does it hurt” https://www.aadp.org/learn/stem-cell-donation/ , the two different products, bone marrow, and stem cells.
You will most likely have to travel to a collection center in another state or big city if no bed is available close to you. Be The Match will pay all travel expenses, plus for a companion, babysitter, meals, gas, etc. If the doctor wants marrow, you could be out of work for 2 to 5 days. Be The Match may also pay some loss wages up to a certain amount. That would have to be determined at the time. If stem cells are asked for, you will miss one day of work, the day of the collection.
I like your question because that tells me that you are thinking about it, as you should. We want committed donors on the registry. These patients are going through a lot and if they are told that a donor has been found but not willing to go forward, that is another blow that they don’t need. Thank you very much.
Hi! My name is Vanessa and I’m full Filipino. I registered for the Bone Marrow Registry in 2001. Then, I had a wonderful opportunity to donate my bone marrow in 2002. Now I’m 42 and I’m not sure if I’m still in the registry. How can I help?
Hi Vanessa, You too are a SuperHero! Thank you so much for being a committed donor. We can only register people between 18 & 44, but once you are on, you are there until you are 61 years old. So, yes, you are still on the registry. Thank you so very much. You can also help by spreading the word about AJ and other people who have blood cancer and need a donor.
I am a registered Filipino donor and hope to be contacted if I am a match to the 9 month old baby, or anybody else in need! I have already donated a few years back to a teen age boy and would be more than happy to do it again without hesitation!
Hi Brian, you are a SuperHero! Well, you know the drill. Look for a text/email/call from Be The Match. Thank you so very much for being a committed donor.
I’m on the registry already and am half Filipino. 35 years old. You should already have my information. I’d love to help out this precious baby.
Oh, Kathryn, you are so kind, thank you very much. Rest assured, your file is being searched as a possible donor. If you are a match, you will receive a call/text/email from Be The Match. Make sure your contact information is up to date with Be The Match. Be well.
I am willing to Help,
Hi Grace, you can request a registration home kit here on our site. aadp.org/homekit. Thank you.
I am a Filipino American already on the registry list and donated 8 years ago! Contact me!
Thank you so much for donating Erin.
I’m 1/2 Filipino and have already registered as a bone marrow donor through DKMS. Is there a way we you can see if I’m a match to help AJ?
Thank you Dona, Since you are in the database of potential donors, you will be contacted if you are found to be a match.
Hello. I am a pure Filipina and I registered with Be The Match back in 2017. I would be an honor to help baby AJ and his family.
Thank you so much Shanley. You are already in the database of potential donors since you registered in 2017, so you may be a match with someone like AJ. Bethematch will contact you if you are a match.
Hello there. I would like to register and help Aj. How do I move forward with this?
Thank you Kristine, You can move forward by requesting a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I am writing on behalf of my son who is 11 years old. He saw AJ’s story on the news and would like to help. He wants to know if kids his age can donate or how he can help. He is 1/2 Filipino.
Hi Charlene, This is a great question. I love kids who are so involved, kind, and giving. what a generation. No, unfortunately not, they must be of legal age, 18, to the registry. Give him a big hug for me for being so kind.
Thank you
Hey there! I am a half-Filipino half-Caucasian 26 year old, am I am to donate if I had leukemia as a child? I want to help in any way that I can.
Hi Suzanne, if you had leukemia as a child, you will not be able to join the Be The Match Registry. But, Hooray, you are alive and doing well, that is a major accomplishment. I wish you well!
My son is 12 and I am Filipino. His father is Scottish, Irish, English, and Italian. We banked his umbilical cord stem cells. Would his stem cells be worth check to see if they match?
Hi Suzanne, you are so very kind to offer your son’s cord blood. However, if you stored the cells for personal use, they cannot be used for an unrelated transplant. The testing is very different at the time of storage, High resolution HLA testing should have been done at the time and IDM test as well on you and the baby. So, keep it stored and I hope you never have to use it.
Hi there! I would love to help baby AJ! I am a Filipina born and raised but love in the US now. Please reach out to me so I know how to help baby AJ.
Hi Joan, you can request a home kit here on our site aadp.org/homekit
Hi again. Did not know how to fix my email mistype. But I am 40 and live in Wisconsin just to be clear. Please reach out! I’d like to know about the process and maybe get started ASAP to find out if I’m a match!
Hi Joan, you are within the age range to register. You can register here on our site by requesting a home kit aadp.org/homekit. Follow the instruction carefully once the kit arrives, swab the inside of your cheek, and mail the kit back to us in the self-addressed and stamped envelope. Once your HLA antigens have been identified you will be list in the Be The Match Registry and could match anyone in the world up to your 61st birthday. You can check out this link for the two different collection methods. https://www.aadp.org/learn/stem-cell-donation/
My husband is willing to have his cheek swab… I am also very much willing to help but unfortunately I have auto immune disease and I have 4 maintenance pills. We already signed up for the registration hope to get the kit in time. We live in California but 5hrs drive from their place. I hope my husband is a good match. (pure Filipino descent)
Hi Vember and Carlo, Your kit(s) are on the way. When you register, be honest about your health conditions, it is very important to us that we keep you safe if you are called to be a donor. Be well.
Hello,
So based on the comments I’ve read, a potential donor will have to pay $100 to help baby AJ?
Hi Sarah, if you are 18 – 44 years old, tissue typing is paid by a grant, so free to you. If you are over 44 years old, yes, you will be asked to pay for your tissue typing fees. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I am full Filipino but live in Hawai’i. I’d love to help AJ if I’m a match. I do fit the age range of 18-44. I’m a mother of 3, and my heart breaks for them, as I know they are praying so hard right now.
Hi Sharon, you can still register even if you are in Hawaii. Hawaii has a great support system for stem cell donors. Feel free to request a kit here on our website. If you are called to be a donor, everything will be done in Hawaii.
I don’t meet the age criteria. I will help spread the word and keep AJ in my prayers.
Thank you Susie, spreading the word is a huge help in finding a match.
I am a 26 year old healthy nurse and I am half Filipino. I would like to know what all I can do to see if I am able to help.
Hi Taylor, you could join the Be The Match Registry by requesting a home kit here aadp.org/homekit. You could match anyone in need of a donor worldwide.
Can the match be from Canada?
Hello Sheril, Canada has it’s own registry which shares information with Be The Match, so registering in Canada will put you on the list.
Why the age limit? I’m half Filipino, but 59 … and in very good health. I can’t financially assist, but I’m happy to donate marrow …
Hi Sophia, I know, there are so many of us over the age of 44 who are healthy enough to donate. However, doctors are selecting younger donors because the transplant outcome for the patient is more successful and that is what we want for the patient. We can’t ignore that fact and we must be responsible with our funding from the community. Thank you for your question, it is an important one. All the best to you and your family.
Pragingy for baby AJ. My husband is older than 44 and my kids are under 18, otherwise we would try to help. I pray that he finds a do or, fast!!
Hi Rhonda, thank you very much for praying for AJ. Please spread the word. At any given time there are about 14,000 people looking for a lifesaving donor.
I fall outside the age range specified, but would like to at least put out that I am 99.97% Filipino according to 23 & Me. I just donated my 152nd (at least) pint of blood in October and am healthy and fit, except for cholesterol issues.I had been on the bone marrow registry until I turned 60, if I recall correctly.
Hi Reuben, Yes, you can only register if you are between the age of 18-44 but you stay on the registry until you are 61 years old. Thank you so much for being a committed stem cell and blood donor. We can’t thank you enough.
I am Filipina and 40 and am already registered on be the match, but I can’t recall if I had the swan test, but I think I did long time ago. Contact me as I would love to help if I can.
Hi Jessica, if you are already in the Be The Match Registry, then they have a sample on file. If you are a match, Be The Match will call/email/text you, so keep a lookout for contact from Be The Match. Thank you for being a committed donor.
Hi there- please ask your child oncology doctor to have both parents gets tested as soon as possible before going thru registry. My husband and I went through exactly like this back in 2018 when our 6y/o child was diagnosed with two type of leukemia. We were also hopeless at that time and we demanded to her doctor to get me and my husband tested to save her life! Because both my husband and I are 100% filipino, result was my husband was her perfect match to give our daughter his marrow. It was a miracle and I pray that you’ll have similar journey as ours. We stayed at the hospital for 9mos that includes treatment and bone marrow recovery. Thank God, our daughter is been doing really good and she is now 9 y/o. Good luck!
Hi Pam, thank you so much for the kind words. I am so happy to hear that your daughter is doing well. AJ’s parents are being tested, all options, including a haplo transplant are being considered. Be well.
i registered already. im 100% filipino.
State is required I’m willing to donate if ever I’m qualified but I live in the Philippines and I’m pure blooded.
Hi Eden, Unfortunately, we can only register people in the united states and the Philippines does not have a registry. I am sorry. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Hi. I’m 38 and pure blooded Filipino. I would love to be tested but being 7 months pregnant right now, will that be a problem?
Hi Ma, you can register now if you like. However, if you are called as a match, you will be deferred until after the baby is born or after you are done breastfeeding.
Congratulations to you and your family.
I am willing to help AJ I am % Filipino
Hi Merley, you can request a home kit on this site aadp.org/homekit
Hi, I am in the registry from a years ago. Do I need to register again? I’m 100% Filipina, 43yo.
Hi Bebith, no. We are partners with Be The Match, so anyone who registers through AADP will be listed on the Be The Match Registry. You are good to go.
Thank you for being a committed donor. They need you.
Hello, I would like to help AJ I’m 100% Filipino and I’m 25 years old. I just request a HomeKit, hopefully to be match(:
Fantastic, thank you.
I am half Filipino. I am on the national bone barrow registry. My son was a stem cell recipient as an infant. I know what it’s like to feel helpless to save your baby. I would love to help!
Hi Michelle,
I am sorry to hear about your son. I hope he is well today. You can register by ordering a home kit here aadp.org/homekit
Thank you and be well.
I might be a potential. Full blooded Filipino. Literally turned 40 last week. I’m happy to explore next steps to see if I’m a match.
Hi Jesica, check out this page on our site https://www.aadp.org/learn/stem-cell-donation/ If you are interested in joining the Be The Match Registry, you can order a home kit from this site aadp.org/homekit
I just requested a kit to become a donor. I’m half Filipino and half Mexican. I have a daughter through IVF and would love to help.
Thank you so much.
Hello, I am Reya and a Filipino, I’m 25 years old, blood type A+, as far as I know I am very much healthy- I don’t drink alcohol, smoke cigars or do drugs. I am very much willing to help.
Hi Reya, if you are interested in joining the Be The Match Registry, you can order a home kit, here on our site. aadp.org/homekit
I would definitely be willing to help. How can I register?
HI Michaela, you can request a home kit, here on our site aadp.org/homekit
My husband would like to see if he can help! How can we see if he is a match?
Hi Shealun, he would be joining the Be The Match Registry and could potentially match with anyone in need worldwide at any time. If he is willing to do that then he can request a home kit on this site aadp.org/homekit.
Hello, my name is Jonah, 35 years old, live in Houston, TX and I’m willing to help. My mother is full filipino and my father is Black. I know how this is all heavy on your hearts/minds. Both of my mother’s sisters pass away from Leukemia so this story is dear to my Heart ♥️. I’ll order a hone kit and get it back ASAP. I cross my fingers that I can be a match to help your special baby.
Hi Jonah, you are very kind. I am so sorry that this awful blood cancer has touched your family so many times. Thank you for registering. Be well.
I’ve registered for a home kit test but are there any other restrictions aside from the age range of 18-44 for potential donors? I’m within the age range (38 yrs) but am a nursing mother. Just wanted to ask in case that may be a potential issue.
Hi Michelle, if you are nursing and you come up as a donor, Be The Match will either ask you to stop nursing for a week or you can be deferred until you are done nursing.
Hi,
I see that you’re commenting it costs $100 to get the at home kit. When you request for the kit it doesn’t say you have to pay any amount. Does the bill come at the same time as the kit?
Hi Jackie, people over the age of 45 only will be asked to pay $100 from Be The Match. They will have to enter a credit card. If they didn’t ask for your credit card you are okya, you will not get a bill. For people between 18-44 the registration is paid for by a grant, so they don’t have to pay.
I would love to help but I am not eligible because I am 60+ . I will pass this on to family and friends. Is there an age limit? My kids and their friends are in the 35-45 year old age range. Will they qualify?
Hi Marina, to register, you need to be 18-44, but then you stay on the registry until you are 61 years old. The 45-year-old can register, but they will e asked to pay $100 for their typing fee.
So, yes, please spread the word.
Hi! I wanted to see if I’m a match for Baby AJ. I’m trying to request a home test kit but the form isn’t working. My husband and I tried multiple times to submit one for me. Is there any way I can check if I’m a match for AJ?
Hi Lorraine, try it again. We were trying to improve the site for everyone’s convenience.
Hi! I shared the story to my SMS to spread the word. I am filipino and I would like to help in any way I can however, I have chronic kidney problem. Can I still be a donor?
Hi Angeli, please email me about this condition, and let’s talk privately. carol@aadp.org
I’m already a stem cell donor on the registry, I’m half Filipino. Are they able to look up individual patients to see if imma match?
Hello! My name is Ashley Pearl and I am a 22 year Filipina woman, I saw you’re story and I have registered to be a donor! Hopefully I am a match for baby AJ!
Filipina here as well. I’ve been registered on Be The Match since 2001 and have donated both of my kids’ umbilical cord blood. Wishing there was more I could do for AJ. Will share!
Hi Ann, you have done a great deal, thank you so much for being a committed donor. I hope someday you are a match for someone in need.
All the best to you and your family.
How quickly do the results get processed once you send the kit back?
Hi Tiffany, great question. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to do HLA testing on the sample you provided and listed on the Registry. That is a long time, so it is very important that once you receive your kit, you register, swab, and mail it back immediately.
Thank you.
Hi I’m Loida 37 yr old 100% Filipino, and I have a 7 mo old baby boy. I wanted to help Aj if I could be a match. I lost my first baby 4 yrs ago because he had a brain defect but there’s no way that he can cure. I understand how u guys feeling as parents and I am praying for your baby to be well. Pls let me know the donating process.
Hi Loida,
Wow, you have gone through so much, thank you for taking the time to help AJ and others in need. I will let AJ’s parents know of your kindness.
You can register here aadp.org/homekit. Here is a link that explains the donation process https://www.aadp.org/learn/stem-cell-donation/
Be well.
My grandpa immigrated to the Seattle area. I have like 130-ish cousins. I shared to my family up here. Hoping we can find you someone soon!
Hi Liza,
You are amazing. AJ’s mom and dad will be extremely happy and grateful. Thank you so very much for spreading the word.
Hi, I’m 100% Filipino and I’m 32 years old. I’ve just registered, hopefully I’ll be a match!
Hi my name is Gennie May Riser and I’m from Los Angeles county. How do I register to see if I could be a match for Baby AJ? I am a California registered Donor and I want to help in any way I can.
Hi Gennie,
You would be joining the Be The Match (BTM) Registry and could potentially match anyone worldwide up to your 61st birthday. If you are willing to do and see if you match with AJ, you can register here aadp.org/homekit
Thank you.
I’ve registered on the site. I hope I am a match for your little angel.
I am half Filipino and my children are 1/4 Filipino. I donated their umbilical cord stem cells when they were both born (17 and 15 years ago). My understanding is that these stem cells should still be available through the stem cell bank in St. Louis, MO. I don’t believe that a waiver is needed from me. I can try to find more information if necessary.
Hi Meera,
Did you store the UCB units for private or public use? If private, you will not be able to donate them to the public. Infectious Disease Marker testing needs to be done on the mother and the baby, before birth and the HLA antigens need to be identified.
If they were stored for public donation, the UCB bank will be automatically searched for a donor.
Thank you so much for your question.
Praying for AJ. I am 36 and a mother of 3 myself. I just registered and ordered my kit. Hoping we find a match for AJ—sending love, prayers and healing energy.
I am half Japanese half Filipina and am 34 years old. I have three three and under and can only imagine what the family’s going through…
I of course just finished signing up but my question is under ethnicity I selected Japanese and Other. However it did not let me list Filipino so how will they at least narrow down the possible contacts for AJ?
God Bless this family and all other families facing adversity
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for this very important question. Ethnicity is very important when matching the patient to a donor, however, we really just look at the HLA antigens for matching. We have had some very odd and wonderful matchings, so you just never know. So, list your ethnicity is important, but not 100% necessary. I’ll let BTM know about this glitch in their programming.
Thank you.
Hi I am full Filipino mom of 3 and would love to help baby Aj
Hi there – I am half Filipino (my dad is 100% Filipino and my mother is Italian). I am a registered bone marrow donor with Be The Match. I am happy to speak with someone to see if I am a match. Praying for sweet baby, AJ….
Hi Marissa,
Because you are already in Be The Match Registry, your record will be searched automatically. Be The Match will call/email/text you if you come up as a match, so look out for correspondence from Be The Match.
Thank you for being a committed donor.
Half Filipino here, does that help?
Just wondering since most Filipino aren’t full anything.
Hi Pablo,
Only by identifying your HLA tissue type will we know for sure if you match with AJ or anyone else in need of a live-saving donor. You will be joining the Be The Match Registry and could match anyone worldwide at any time up to your 61st birthday.
I just ordered a home kit. I hope I can be a match.
Thank you very much Jan.
Hi I’m Interested in helping AJ out please reach out.I’m Filipino would like AJ.
Thank you Maria. Simply by sharing the story, you are already helping. You can also help by filling out a request to register, if you haven’t already. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hi! I hope you don’t mind but I came across your story yesterday and a remarkably similar story in Canada today. There is a 3 month old baby here in Canada that needs a stem cell donor of Filipino and Caucasian descent. I don’t know if it would be of any use to you but I wanted to at least mention it in case you would like to reach out to their family. I know that sometimes when a donor match cannot be found within the intended recipient’s own family or social circles that sometimes they make an agreement with another person or family in need of a donor to see if either can find a match within the other’s family (similar to kidney donor chains). I felt like it was worth bring up at the very least, just in case. The baby’s name is Boston De Castro and his family lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in case you’d like to search for their story (not sure if it’s okay to post links here so I figured best not to).
Best of luck to you. You will be in my heart and head. I hope you are able to find your little one’s donor. ♥
Thank you for the comment Katie. It’s good to see that we are reaching the community, while searching for a donor. I will bring your story to the attention of my superior who can look into it further.
Hi! I am half Filipina I would love to help. But I will be 50 on Sunday. So I think I’m over the age bracket. I will spread the word. Is there any other way that I could help?
Thank you very much Rowen, please keep sharing the stories. This would be a huge help.
Hi,
Please reach out as I would like to be a donor. My oldest brother died of leukemia in 1980, before there were options available to cure him. I’m Filipino and live locally in the Bay Area.
Thank you Malou, I’m terribly sorry to hear of your brother’s death. If you haven’t already, please register to be a stem cell donor.
Hello,
Firstly, your baby is indeed. beautiful and happy. I am of Filipino and Irish descent and 61, which prevents me from donating according to registry, despite I am healthy, walk 6 miles a day & eat healthy. Five years ago my older sister who was 66 at the time of donation (she’s now a healthy 71) , gave a successful bone marrow donation. Please keep this in mind that age may not always be a factor. I will also link this to my many, many Filipino family and friends. Blessing to you and your beautiful baby.
Thank you Pamela. I too am outside the age restrictions. You are still able to register at https://www.Bethematch.org, but they do charge a fee for people over 45.
I would love to help if you are still looking. I am full Filipino age of 42.
Thank you Cresencia, there is always a need for donors, especially in underserved communities/ethnicities. Please request a home kit to find out if you are a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Im full Filipino and I would like to help baby AJ. Hoping Im a match!
Thank you Poppy, by requesting a home kit and entering the database we can find out if you are a potential donor. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I’m 100% Filipina and will be giving birth in mid-December. Would you be able to use my child’s cord blood? My child will be half Filipino and half Caucasian.
Thank you Eileen, unfortunately cord blood cannot be used for donating to other children, but please find out if you are a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My brother, friend, and I are all already registered with Be the Match and are of Filipino descent. All 3 of us live in Las Vegas, NV if that helps.
Thank you Val, you ARE helping because you are in the database of potential donors.
We banked our daughter’s cord blood when she was born in 2001. She is half-Filipino, half-Caucasian. I’m not sure if banked cord bloods are officially registered. If not, please let me know how I can register it. We live in the SF Bay Area as well.
Thank you Heidi, No cord blood is not registered, nor can it be, but I would encourage you to register because YOU or the father may be a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hello,
I am 9 months pregnant. My husband is half Filipino and I am a quarter. I was planning on donating our sons cord blood. Could we directly donate it to AJ? Would that even be helpful at all for AJ?
Thank you Courtney, unfortunately donated coord blood can not be used for this purpose but maybe you could encourage your husband to enter the database for Be The Match as HE may be a potential match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My wife just about pure Filipino. She is also O positive blood type. We just ordered the home testing kit to help little baby AJ. Hoping and praying for the best.
Thank you for requesting Christina.
I am so heartbroken to read this! I am half Filipino half Italian! Could I still be considered a match? If not, what else can I do to help?
Hi Jennifer, Yes you may still be match! https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Good evening,
My husband said he would love to help baby AJ of he is a match. My husband is also half Filipino too, he lived in the Filipino until he was five years old. Plus he has three amazing children him. Let us know if you still need help.
Thank you Theresa, Yes we still need help so please register. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My husband is 1/4 Filipino. I have two adult children in the donor age range and they are 1/8 Filipino. Would they be a possible candidate for a match?
Thank you Joan, yes it is possible they may be a match. Registering is the way to find out, so please register. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I’m half Filipino. I’d love to help this family out if I’m able to. 25, female, healthy, I have blood type O negative too if that helps.
Hi Michelle, to find out if you are a potential donor, please request a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/ Thank you.
Hi when my daughter was born 2 years ago we stored her umbilical cord cells and blood. It was originally for my mom in hope to find a cure for her disability but she recently passed away. Now we are trying to figure out what we want to do if we were going to keep one and throw away the other or keep both but I saw your news article and the Holy Spirit told me that this is what I had to do. I would love to donate my daughters cells to help baby AJ if it can help him, I am not sure if you can use it but you can have it if you can. My Facebook name is Jesy Barrios Tan if you want to shoot me a message.
Thank you Jesy, Unfortunately umbilical cord blood cannot be used for any other purpose, BUT I am hoping you will register because you may be a potential donor. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I am of Thai decent. I would love to help this baby. Not sure if Thai decent would be able to be a match?
Thank you Mary. The farther you are from similar ancestry the less likely you will be a match, but it’s still possible. Match are found across ethnicities, but are less common. Also, you may be found to be a match for another baby like AJ. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
What if you are 46 and a match? You still cannot use that as a donor?
Thank you for asking M. If you are 46 and a match, you still could be a potential donor although if a younger match is found it would most likely be the first choice, determined by the doctors involved.
Has he had any luck finding a donor yet? I would love to help, but I am only a quarter Filipino. Do you need to be over a certain percent to qualify?
Thank you Rachelle. You are still a potential donor. Getting into the Be The Match database is the way to find out. Please request a homekit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I’m 100% Filipino. How am I able to help or register?
Thank you very much Raymund. If you are not already registered with Be The Match, you can request a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My sister and I just ordered our kits. I hope we can help!
Thank you Sasha. You ARE helping.
Hello,
We are so sorry what little AJ and your family are having to go through. My husband is of full Filipino decent and would like to help if he can. We have requested a kit to have him tested. We’re sending so much love and prayers your way.
Thank you Katie, and thank your husband for becoming a potential donor for AJ.
I have requested a kit… I’m half Filipino Between 18-44 and live in the Bay Area. If I can help AJ or anyone else I would be honored to do it. Keeping my fingers crossed that someone is a match for him. Prayers & Love
Thank you very much Kristina for requesting a kit.
I am a 38 year old Hispanic male with chronic leukemia. I would like to see if I can help.
Hello Victor. I hope that you are feeling better soon. Unfortunately, a diagnoses of cancer would make you ineligible to become a donor but thank you for caring.
Would 11% be considered??? This story breaks my heart.
Thank you Krys. 11% is still possible, but you would need to register to find out. Even if you don’t match AJ, you may be the match to another child. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hello. My children are Filipino and all three had stem cells extracted at birth via Cord Blood. Perhaps one of these could help AJ?
Hi Ronnell, thank you for asking. Unfortunately umbilical cord blood cannot be used for the purpose of the registry but I hope you’ll request a home kit because YOU may be a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hello. I am half Filipino, 27, and would like to try and help. Do I need to register here only? Does the Gift Of Life registry cross talk to this registry as well? Thankyou and have a great day!
Thank you Mikala. Yes you are in the registry of Be The Match, by Gift of Life.
Hi! I am Filipina and 41. Would like to help, please let me know where to start
Thank you very much Mary. If you are not already registered with Be The Match, you can request a home kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I am half-Filipina and registered with Bethematch.org already. Are you all registered there?
Thank you Lacey. Yes, AADP registers for Be The Match, so you are in the database.
I guess that means I’m not a match then if I haven’t been contacted already. =(
I made sure to share this to my FB page, as there is a sizeable Filipino community here in Eastern North Carolina. Wishing little AJ and his family the best in their search! <3
Thank you very much Lacey. Yes, if you are found to be a match, you will be contacted, and you may be match for someone else in the future! You ARE helping a lot by sharing, so thank you.
I just submitted my test kit. I’m 22 and half Filipino. Hope I can help..
Thank you very much Chance!
Hi. I’m too old but my daughters are eligible. However I’m a quarter Filipino and my daughters are 1/8. Do they qualify?
Hello Lisa. Your daughters could still be a potential match for AJ or another child.
I want to help so badly but I’m in Australia. I wish I could donate but everything would be a logistical nightmare. I hope you find someone for baby AJ. I lost my father to leukaemia when I was 5yo if only I was able to help him too. If by some miracle I could help, I’m full Filipina and is 35. Beautiful AJ and your family are in my prayers.
Hi Julie, If you register as a donor in Australia, Be the Match (here in the states) will be aware and if a match is found the donation will be made where you live. I found this link, but you as a Australian, might find one more relevant. https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/U_Z/Western-Australia-Bone-Marrow-Donor-Registry
I am from Canada but would love to help, is there anyway the kits can be sent out internationally?
Hi Julie, If you register as a donor in Canada, Be the Match (here in the states) will be aware and if a match is found the donation will be made where you live. I found this link, but you as a Canadian, might find one more relevant. https://www.blood.ca/en/stemcells/donating-stemcells/stemcell-eligibility-and-registration
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I am going to order a home kit now and hopefully I can get it back to the registry asap.
Thank you Kelvin. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My son is 20 years old and he wants to register as a donor. He was born here but both parents are Filipinos
That’s great news Lucy. Please have him request a home kit to see if he’s a match, and thank you: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hi, I’m a 3/4 Filipino, 24 year old student in the U.K. I’ve signed up as a blood donor through DMSK. I saw if I’ve signed up I could be notified if I’m a match for AJ. Is it a long process to go through the people listed and be notified or will I have to notify the organisation personally to further pursue this?
Hi Tim, If you are in the database of potential donors in the U.K., Be The Match is aware and you will be notified if a match is found.
Hello. I am a stage 4 Burkett’s Lymphoma ( leukemia ) survivor 5 plus years. I am of Filipino heritage. Would love to help people
My name is Chalet Brannan an actress My dad is doing this for me here
Thank you Russel. Unfortunately, because you’ve had a history of cancer you can not donate BUT! By posting and sharing information on AJ, you can still be an enormous help! Best wishes.
Hello, I’m a 21 year old Filipina. Both of my parents are Filipino. I would love to help. Please let me know what the next steps are.
Thank you Katrina, The way to help is to fill out a request for a Home Kit so that it can be seen if you are a match. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
Hi. I am aged out but have shared to my network. Is the family accepting / in need of monetary donations?
Hello Joanna. Thank you for asking. Yes the family does have a gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4rjzmv-help-with-aj039s-fight-against-leukemia?
I’m 100% Filipino. My mom has battled ALL for 5+ yrs. She was a NICU nurse for almost 30 yrs and if she could help AJ she would. But she can’t, and I might be able to, so I’m now registered.
Thank you very much Mae. Best wishes for your mother.
I’m signed up. Waiting for my donor kit.
Thank you Jonah.
I am 50 but will pay to register. I am sending this to my son (19). My
Daughter is only 17. But I will try to have my son post to the Asian American groups at the University of Florida and I will post on the parent group as well. AJ looks exactly like my son when he was a baby.
Thank you so much Laura.
How do I get tested as a match mother is Filipino but my father is a mixture of a few things?
Hello Dayla, you can get tested by requesting a Home Kit. https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
How do I help? I am Fiipino. My parents are both from the Philipines. I am 43 years old and kive in Alabama.
Hello Abigail, It doesn’t matter where you live in the States. If you are found to be a match, the blood would be collected in a local hospital. Any amount of common ancestry increases the odds that you will be a match, so yes, please register: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
My kids and husband are of Filipino decent but not full. Do you know if even having some Filipino is enough to be a possible match?
Hello Sorrel, Any amount of common ancestry increases the odds that you will be a match, so yes, please register: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I’m 42 half Filipino half Irish American. Marine Veteran. Let’s do this!
Thank you Jonathan, Have you filled out a request for a home kit to register? https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
How can I help? I am a pure Filipina and I wanted to help Baby AJ… Is there a way in which I can register to help?
Hello Claire, You can fill out a request for a Swab Kit: https://www.aadp.org/learn/homekit/
I’m Filipino but and 39 but I’m in FL. How would that work if I’m a match?
Hi Vanessa, they would collect the tissue at a local hospital and mail it to the recipient.
Will cord blood help? I stored my kids cord blood.
Hello Nicole, Coord blood can only be used if it was stored publicly and not privately.
I’m 17 and will be 18 as of December 27 I would love to be a potential donor for AJ. Is there any way I could be a registered donor by filling out some guardian paper work or sign something?
Thank you Justus, I’m sorry but you do have to 18. Please try again next month.
Hello, I am so sad to hear this story. I work in clinical research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC in Cord Blood Transplant. Could you ask your physicians if your baby would be eligible to undergo a bone marrow transplant where the graft source is umbilical cord blood instead of a matched donor? Our center transplants babies, children, and adults this way.
Hi Kristine,
Yes, the family is looking into UCB units as well. The doctor’s 1st preference is bone marrow. Thank you so much for your infomation.
I’m 25% Filipino is there anyway I could help out?
Hi Amanda,
You can register as a donor. You would be joining the Be The Match Registry and could potentially match any patient in need worldwide. If you are willing to join the registry, I would encourage you to do so. People who are multi-ethnic have a much more difficult time finding a donor. So, your HLA antigens are probably rare. Join = aadp.org/homekit
I am Filipino and submitted my mouth swabs. I hole I can help! AJ has an uncanny resemblance to my son, who is half Caucasian.
Thank you, Faith. I see you in the registry. We are just waiting for your HLA antigens to be identified and listed. That could take up to 6 weeks. Thank you for being a committed donor.
Is AJ still in need of a donor?
Yes he is. He is back in the hospital receiving his second round of chemo.
yes.
Hello, I am so sad reading AJ’s story. I’m a 100% Filipino & would like to help but I’m 56 years of age. Sending Prayers for AJ & his family.
Hi Charlotte, thank you for the prayers. You can help by spreading the word to others about the need for more blood stem cell donors. If you are in the position to help financially, AJ’s parents have a go fund me page https://gf.me/u/y4xvsd. Be well.
Hello! My husband is Filipino and has registered to see if he could be a match! We would love to know if he matches!
Hi Alicia, no match has been identified yet. Be The Match will call/text or email your husband if he comes up as a match. Be on the lookout.
Thank you for being a committed donor.
Hi I was just informed that I am part of be the match registry. Is AJ part of their patients in search? I hope he is doing fine
Hi Maria, All of the donors that AADP registers go into the Be The Match registry. AJ’s doctor is looking into the registry for a match. So, you are ready to go.
2/14 My swab samples have been processed and I have been listed on Be The Match registry. I’m hoping to be a match for AJ.
Thank you Kris! <3