STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When Staten Island teens Lily Ahlborn and Talia Lioce heard about Emersyn “Emmy” Freund’s battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and critical need of a blood stem cell transplant in order to survive, they knew that they had to jump in, do something to help and make a difference.
A blood stem cell transplant will allow “Emmy” to get back to “living her best, fun and teenage life,” singing, playing volleyball, dancing with friends and spending time with her family.
Emersyn “Emmy” Freund (Courtesy/Sarah James)Staten Island Advance
The Notre Dame Academy freshmen, who are members of Girl Scout Troop 5229, partnered with DKMS, the world’s largest blood stem cell donor center, to co-host a registration drive they arranged for Saturday, May 13 from noon until 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel School, 42 Austin Pl., in Tompkinsville.
In addition to the teens, on hand will be DKMS volunteers, other Girl Scouts from Troop 5229 and local community leaders
According to DKMS, 70% of people suffering from blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside of their families to save their lives.
To address the problem, those in good health between ages 18 to 55 are encouraged to attend the registration drive.
Potential registrants will review medical eligibility, fill out a registration form, swab the insides of their cheeks, and then drop off their completed packet before leaving the drive.
DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancers and other blood-related illnesses by inspiring people around the world to register as blood stem cell donors.
The donor journey begins with a simple swab of the cheek which can be the action that leads to a second chance at life for a patient in need.
Additionally, DKMS works closely with patients and their families, from diagnosis to transplant and beyond.
Originally founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf, DKMS has entities in South Africa, Poland, Chile, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. The U.S. office was started in 2004. Globally, DKMS has registered over 11.5 million people and facilitated more than 100,000 transplants.
To join the fight against blood cancer or for further information, visit dkms.org.
