URGENT: Marines Volunteer To Help Ill Vet - Lance Cpl. Chris LeBleu (Freepers help a Marine)

Associated Press ^ | March 8, 2005 | Associated Press

[Former Military Chick]

LOMA LINDA, Calif. - Thousands of Marines have volunteered to be tested to determine if they could be a potential bone marrow donor for a Marine who developed a life-threatening liver ailment after returning from Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Chris LeBleu was listed in fair condition Sunday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he has been hospitalized since January, a hospital spokeswoman said.

LeBleu, of Lake Charles, La., received an emergency liver transplant but now his body is not producing enough red blood cells; doctors say he may need a bone marrow transplant.

"He's a fighter and he's fighting even harder today," said his wife, Melany LeBleu.

When news spread of LeBleu's need, about 200 people donated blood or took tests to determine whether they would be suitable marrow donors. In addition, 2,000 Marines volunteered to be tested at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, where LeBleu is stationed.

Another 5,000 Marines are expected to be tested in the search, LeBleu's wife said.

LeBleu returned from seven months of duty in Iraq in September.

[Former Military Chick]

I would beg, borrow or steal to help this Marine. OK, maybe not steal but if I could be there to do this I would, but, I do have the avenue of the Internet and Free Republic.

Please send this out to all you know, somebody may know somebody who just might be the match this fine Marine needs.

Thanks in advance.

[Former Military Chick]

ping

[japaneseghost]

Is there a world-wide bone marrow database yet?

[Former Military Chick]

**PING**

[Former Military Chick]

I do not know, very good question?

[japaneseghost]

Please tell us where we can get registered. I'm registered on the NYC Blood Bank database, but they are notorious for screw-ups. I would gladly get tested again.

Imagine if every Freeper registered....

[Former Military Chick]

**PING**

Please pass this along to your friends and family. Perhaps we will know someone who knows someone who just might be a match for this fine Marine.

Of course that is to assume the Marine's wont pull a match in the end. Never knew a Marine who ever gave up when the going got tough.

Prayers to all those involved.

[Former Military Chick]

I am not sure where one is to register but I will pursue this in the morning a post it on the thread.

Perhaps some on FR will have the answer much sooner.

[dvldog03]

www.marrow.org

[Calpernia]

Thousands of Marines have volunteered to be tested to determine if they could be a potential bone marrow donor for a Marine who developed a life-threatening liver ailment after returning from Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Chris LeBleu was listed in fair condition Sunday at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he has been hospitalized since January, a hospital spokeswoman said.

[Former Military Chick]

Thank you both for commenting and pinging on this thread. We MUST get the word out, we need to help this fine Marine.

[Calpernia]

Thanks for the link, marrow.org

Anyone know if we can donate our resources for this case specifically?

[Former Military Chick]

Comrades Tested to Help Ailing Marine

Lance Cpl. Chris LeBleu

LOMA LINDA — Thousands of Marines have volunteered to have their blood tested to determine if they could be a potential bone marrow donor for one of their comrades who developed a life-threatening liver ailment after returning from Iraq.

Lance Cpl. Chris LeBleu of Lake Charles, La., was listed Sunday in fair condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he has been hospitalized since January, a hospital spokeswoman said.

LeBleu received an emergency liver transplant but now his body is not producing enough red blood cells and doctors say he may need a bone marrow transplant.

"This is just a bump in the road. It's a big bump, but it's something that we're going to overcome together," said his wife, Melany LeBleu. "He's a fighter and he's fighting even harder today."

When news spread of LeBleu's need, about 200 people donated blood or took tests to determine whether they would be suitable marrow donors.

In addition, 2,000 Marines volunteered to be tested at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, where LeBleu is stationed.

The Marine Corps expects another 5,000 Marines will be tested in the search for a suitable donor, said LeBleu's wife, Melany.

Doctors expect to find no more than three or four potential matches among the group, his wife said.

The transplanted liver, which came from a 63-year-old woman from Littleton, Colo. who died in a New Mexico car crash, is functioning well, hospital spokeswoman Julie Smith said.

LeBleu, of Lake Charles, La., returned from seven months of duty in Iraq in September and married his wife, Melany, a month later. She has said he began feeling ill in December, and it kept getting worse. By the end of January, his doctors said he was near death from total liver failure.

Last Updated: Mar 7, 2005

[Calpernia]

FUNDRAISER FOR MARINE CHRIS LEBLEU WHO RECEIVED LIVER TRANSPLANT

[dvldog03]

This Marine needs a "Type O" donor... If that's you, please consider getting tested. Lance Cpl. LeBleu gave up a lot more then a vile of blood for all of us, it's the least we can do.

Semper Fi

-BG

[Calpernia]

Doug, since you are in contact with him, how do I specifically volunteer to be tested to see if I'm a match?

[Calpernia]

I'm type O. Hence my question.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[PAR35]

If you are not able to register yourself, the best way to help might be to offer to pay the costs for a certain number of folks to go on the list. I signed up when a church member offered to pay the costs for any church member who would sign up during a blood drive.

[doug from upland]

I have only been in contact through Cajun Mike who has given updates. I suggest calling Loma Linda University Medical Center. This number might get you started. If not the right one, I'm sure they'll refer you -- (909) 558-2273