When Rob Purgert of Sagamore Hills was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia last October, his mother Jill couldn't believe it.
"We just thought he was doing too much, staying up too late," Jill Purgert said.
The test results confirmed the diagnosis and 80 percent of Rob's bone marrow had been affected. Over the next several months, Rob underwent intense chemotherapy but his positive attitude never faltered.
"Life goes on, you just have to take it as it is and make the best of it," he said.
Currently Rob's cancer is in remission. However, if he would need a bone marrow transplant in the future there is no match for him in the National Bone Marrow Registry.
His family, and parish came together to hold their own drives, and, so far, over 1,000 people have been registered.
Every year, more than 10,000 people will be diagnosed with a life-threatening disease that can be treated with a bone marrow transplant.
If you would like to donate, there are three more drives this month.
Donors are asked for a $25 contribution to cover the cost of the test. Here are details on the donation drives:
Bay Village: St. Raphael, 525 Dover Center Road. Sat. March 28, 4-7. Sun. March 29, 8-2. Call Anne Straitiff at 440-871-2298.
Cleveland Heights: St. Ann, 2175 Coventry Road. Sun. March 29, 8-2. Call Mary Golrick at 216-321-3847.
© 2009 WKYC-TV
Posted By: Updated: 3/16/2009 4:24:20 PM Posted: 3/16/2009 11:00:46 AM
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