You can paste it as long as it still says The Sun. I write articles as there are new developments, struggles, etc. My editor really has the say so or I would do a brief update daily. I might do something later in the week.
Thanks!
Article Published: Friday, February 25, 2005 - 8:46:41 PM PST San Bernardino Sun (The Sun)
Hundreds come to ill Marine's aid
By Janet M. Harp and Annette Wells, Staff Writer
More than 180 people signed into donor centers around the Inland Empire after an emergency blood and marrow drive was organized for Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher LeBleu, officials said Friday.
About 169 units, or pints, of blood were collected Thursday at the four centers of the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and 67 people signed up for the National Marrow Donor Program.
"That's wonderful. Usually about 75 to 100 donate blood each day so it was a fantastic turnout,' said Jean Cannon of the blood bank. "We have some wonderful people here in the Inland Empire when there is a need, they respond and want to help.'
LeBleu, a 22-year-old Iraq War veteran, suffered unexplained liver failure and received an emergency liver transplant Jan. 30.
The liver is functioning normally, but he subsequently was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder that affects fewer than 1,000 people a year in the United States. It requires a matching bone-marrow transplant. LeBleu will require a Type O transplant.
"It's a little disappointing,' said Mike Farris, a friend of LeBleu's, by telephone. "All of us friends and family were on cloud nine after the transplant, but we're keeping faith.
"This isn't, as far I can tell, immediately life threatening. But I didn't ask nor was I told if there was any certain timetable.'
There are 5.5 million people registered with the marrow donor program and none are matches. Thursday's results should be available within four weeks.
LeBleu remained in fair condition Friday at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
"He's staying steady he hasn't been getting worse,' said Joy Jameson, a hospital spokeswoman. "We're still waiting for that perfect match.'
Cannon, who works at the Ontario branch of the blood bank on Fourth Street, said many signed up for the national marrow registry after learning of LeBleu's situation on television or reading it in The Sun.
Even folks not from the United States donated.
"I was watching television this morning and his story really touched me,' said David Carwardine, 48, of Ontario, Canada
"Something just hit me, so I called Loma Linda (University Medical Center) and asked how I could donate and they told me to come here. I've never done this before.'
Carwardine, who delivers airplane equipment to Ontario International Airport, said what touched him about LeBleu was the fact that he was so young. His military status also played a part.
"Here is someone who gives everything he has, and I'm sitting around reaping the benefits of his sacrifice,' he said as a blood bank nurse tied a green band around his arm where the needle was inserted, his paperwork and registry card neatly lying in a stack on his lap.
"It's just a good feeling.'
Understand. I look forward to whatever you can do.