5-Year-Old Boy Needs Bone Marrow Transplant
University Hospital Blood Bank holds blood drive & bone marrow screening in support of Noah Sanchez
BACKGROUND: Noah Sanchez, a 5-year-old cancer patient at University Hospital, is in need of blood and platelets. Noah was diagnosed with leukemia last year and went into remission for several months. Unfortunately, his leukemia has returned. Noah is receiving blood and platelet transfusions, and will need a bone marrow transplant.
Noah’s medical team and the employees at University Hospital are holding a blood drive and bone marrow screening this Friday in support of Noah, and to help raise awareness about the importance of giving blood.
University Hospital is the premiere Level I trauma center for South Texas and the highest level pediatric trauma center in the region. The trauma team is always in need of blood products to care for critically injured adults and children.
The University Hospital Blood Bank relies on employees, family members, visitors and the community for blood donations. While blood donors are needed throughout the year, they are most needed during the holidays and in the summer. It’s during these times that the number of blood donations declines while the demand continues to increase.
WHO: Tina Stefek, Noah’s mom
Dr. Chatchawin Assanasen, medical director of the Pediatric Blood/Cancer Center at University Hospital; associate professor of pediatric hematology/oncology at UT Health Science Center San Antonio University Hospital Blood Bank team
WHAT: Noah Sanchez Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Screening
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 1 (Blood Drive: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: 1 p.m.
WHERE: University Hospital – Blood Donor Room
4502 Medical Drive (Meet in front entrance lobby)
