Ghanaian Canadian needs a bone marrow ASAP.

Your donation could make all the differences; it could be you or your family member turn tomorrow!

In May 2007, 38 years old Semetry Horsu a Ghanaian residing in Montreal felt some strange pains on his upper hand, he decided to check it up at JGH. Having gone through series of test by specialist in April to find out what was causing the pain. Sadly, Semetry was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid leukemia. Myeloid damages the human chromosomes and increases the chances of leukemia occurring again? said Semetry.

Though chemotherapy helps, the only viable solution to save his life is a bone marrow transplant. ?There is a very good and modern technique to take care of such cases? said Semetry with a booming voice and laughter full of positive energy. His assigned nurse on the 7th floor Ana Simonitta checked the drip rate,? this is one of the dedicated nurses on the floor? said Semetry. My sister from Africa has already sent blood sample for a match, but did not help. We are hoping to get somebody that within the race or ?histocompatible? meaning Horsu?s body will not reject the donor?s bone marrow.

Mr. Horsu wants to take the battle against cancer public in his community to raise awareness among people of African descent residing in Montreal. African descent registering as bone marrow donor; would make it easy to match African descent donors with African descents needing born marrow transplant. This would safe lives including that of Mr. Horsu.

Diane Roy of Hema Quebec had said there are one in four chances that someone can be a match for their sibling. When this does not happen, the person needing a bone marrow registry, which lists all potential donors that have given their consent to donate, it is tied to other bone marrow registries in Canada and across the world. The problem seems to be a lack of awareness. Hema-Quebec is a little bit like a bank. If you don?t put anything into it, you don?t get anything out of it. According to Diana ninety-five percent of those registered in Quebec are white, but blacks are underrepresented in the registry.

?For those wishing to make a born marrow donation and are afraid of the pain, a bone marrow donation procedure is painless? said Semetry.

To add your name to the bone marrow registry, go to www.hema-quebec.qc.ca and under stem cells, click donor registry and how to join. Down load the form, sign it and fax it back. Hema-quebec will contact you about testing for compatibility. You have to be between 18 and 50 years old and in good health to register. Ghana Canada House Inc located at 419 St Roch, suite 16, Montreal, has some forms at its office. To get a form please call (514) 906- 2663