Bone marrow match sought for local boy
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - One Marlboro family is hoping for a miracle.

Marc Weinstein, 9, was born with the rare blood disorder HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), which is caused by an excess of white blood cells called histiocytes, according to the Histiocytosis Association of America's Internet Web site. The histiocytes cluster together and can attack various areas of the body including the central nervous system.

This same disorder claimed the life of Marc's brother, Ross, in 2002. The disease has now progressed to the point where Marc needs a bone marrow transplant, but currently there are no ideal matches for Marc.

The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation was contacted to help with funding, organizing and promoting a bone marrow drive. Gift of Life is North America's largest Jewish marrow donor and umbilical cord blood registry and is recognized for facilitating transplants for more than 1,500 patients around the world.

"From the smallest child to the mayor of Marlboro, people [have] reached out with offers of support and assistance," said family friend Michael Danziger, adding that people from all walks of life having come forward with their support.

The test is simple, requiring only a cotton swab swipe inside the cheek. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who is in good health can be tested.

Although Marc's best chance of a match is from someone of Eastern European descent, no one will be turned away from testing. While someone who is tested may not be a match for Marc, they will become part of the worldwide registry and may save someone else.

The bone marrow drives will take place throughout Marlboro on different dates. On Feb. 10, Solomon Schechter Day School, School Road East, will have drives from 9 a.m. to noon and from 5-8 p.m. Temple Rodeph Torah, Mohawk Drive, will host a drive on Feb. 10 from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

On Feb. 12, Solomon Schechter Day School will hold a drive from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final drive will be held on Feb. 13 at the Marlboro Jewish Center's Chai Building, Topanemus Road, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"We are incredibly grateful to the entire community. Since Ross got sick almost seven years ago, until today, the support of so many people has been an incredible source of strength for my family. We feel an incredible sense of gratitude to so many and it is a source of great comfort to think that because of Marc another family might find an answer to their prayers. Cindy and I have deep faith that Marc will be well and back with his friends and schoolmates soon, shining his special light on the world," said Marc's father, Barry Weinstein.