Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This message is to remind everyone of a service that we would like all of you to participate in. This opportunity involves the case of Mary Rizk, an Egyptian physician who has leukemia and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. St. Demiana’s Church in San Diego would like to organize a drive in order to collect samples and educate our congregation of this cause, as well as encourage everyone to participate.
Mary Rizk is a member of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in New Orleans, Louisiana and lives in Mobile, Alabama. She is the wife of Peter Rizk and the mother of four children: Christopher, 21; Christine, 20; David, 18; and Danielle, 9.
A little over a month ago, she was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. And now, more than ever, she needs your help.
The doctors have told her that her only chance for survival is to find a stem cell donor. Patients are most likely to match people who share their heritage. And that’s where you come in…we need all Egyptians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, to step up and BE THE MATCH.
The initial test is a simple, painless cheek swab. If and when someone becomes a match, the next step is a blood test, similar to one you take in your doctor’s office. If you are the closest match for Mary Rizk, you will then be asked to take a physical and donate your stem cells. The donation procedure is very much like donating blood.
Jesus Christ states in the Holy Gospel of John that “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). We’re not asking you to lay down your life–just take a simple cheek swab to find out if you’re a match to save another life.
We currently do not have the kits to collect the samples, but the most helpful and efficient way to help in the cause is to get the kit through a simple online application. It’s completely free and there is NO obligation.
This Sunday, June 13, there will be computers set up before the Divine Liturgy. There will be members of our congregation and our Church youth available to help sign up anyone willing to contribute to this cause.
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