I wondered and thought for such a long time before I decided to use the Active Rain forum in this way. After speaking to the grandmother of this little boy this afternoon I really don't feel like it's even a choice. Trevor Kott needs a bone marrow donor now. I can't worry myself with whether or not someone will be upset that I posted this here on Active Rain. I will take any and all critism for posting about Trevor here, but the truth is that now with over 25,000 members I know that 25,000 people have the potential to hear and act on behalf of this little miracle.
I am writing today about something very important. This isn't a forward, and this isn't about an imaginary child floating around on the internet.
This is about a real baby boy named Trevor Kott. From the second I first laid eyes on him he stole my heart.
I first heard about Trevor's story a few weeks ago from someone on Cafe Mom, which is an on-line forum that I belong to. Rather than me go on an on about what led me to this point I will share a open letter from his parents that I took from his website: Help Save Trevor Kott
The rest of this is a message was included in a personal e-mail to my family and friends. I decided I needed to harness the power of Active Rain to help this family and share it with you.
| "SAVE THE LIFE OF A CHILD! |
Trevor is our son -- a beautiful baby boy who fills us with joy -- but he is fighting to survive. He was diagnosed with AML a rare form of leukemia at birth and must have a bone marrow transplant -- but the doctors informed us on March 15, 2007 that they were not able to find a match for Trevor in the International Bone Marrow Registry. Trevor 's need is urgent. His life depends on finding a match immediately. Since that news, the doctors have given Trevor about 6-8 weeks unless a match can be found. Please forward this information to everyone you know and encourage each of them to do the same. We are attempting to reach millions with a national grass roots campaign and need your help. We are praying for a miracle for Trevor. Thank you and God bless you. I can't get this little boy out of my mind or the agony his parents and family must be going through. I need to act. Some of you may, or may not know, the effects that cancer has played in both mine and Tony's lives. We have been touched by this disease from the farthest corners of our social circle, to the inner sanctum of our daily lives. I can't explain why I feel so called into action. I don't know why I feel it is my duty to help this family find this very special person who will save their little boy... but I do know one thing. Trevor hasn't given up and neither am I! I should also mention that Trevor's mom Angela, just underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from her arm that she developed during her pregnancy with Trevor. This is one strong family! I have been in touch with his mother, Angela, and I am going to do all that I can to help her find the miracle Trevor so desperately needs. That is why I need your help. I will be hosting a Bone Marrow Registry Drive next month in Trevor Kott's honor. I need you to be there and say that you will become a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry. You will not only be giving hope to Trevor's family... but to the many families who are waiting for their angel to find them. Registrants must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and never have had cancer or blood related illnesses. Normally there is a $52 fee to become a member of the registry. This fee covers the cost of the Tissue type testing that matches donors with recipients. Because I am organizing this drive during the "Thank Mom" campaign, this fee is being waived by the National Bone Marrow Registry! It is important to understand though that even though you may not be a match for little Trevor, you could someday be a match for someone else!!! Can you think of anything more precious than the gift of life?! Testing is painless. I did it last week at a drive at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. 4 quick and simple swabs from the inside of your mouth, and that is it! UPDATE: My drive will be hosted on May 19th in memory of Trevor. I am working with a coordinator at Life Source and at the National Bone Marrow Registry to plan this event. The drive will be located at Meadow View Elementary School at 2501 Mirage Dr. in Plainfield, IL 60586 from 10:00- 1:00. There are no fees to register at this drive in honor of the Thanks Mom campaign that is running from May7th - May 21st. You can host your own drive by contacting the National Bone Marrow Registry! Please tell everyone you know about little Trevor's story. Thanks for listening! Click here to watch this beautiful video of little Trevor.... ~Julie Ferenzi |
UPDATE: Trevor's grandmother, Linda Kott, called me today to ask if there was a way that I could help gain national publicity for his story.
I have contacted all 4 major news networks in my area as well as Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Primetime. We are all only 6 degrees from being connected from to every single person in this world!
Do you know someone who could help us? A celebrity? A contact at your local news station?
Active Rain is such a great community of people always willing to help. I thought this was a great place to start. If you have any support or contact information to offer, please contact me at 630-673-6233. THANK YOU!
Mary: Thank you! From what I understand the only requirements at this point are that you are between the ages of 18 and 60, and that you have never suffrered from any cancer or blood related diseases.
I was just tested last week and I don't recall any questions referring to asthma specifically, but please feel free to contact the registry to clarify if that would be an issue. Thank you again!
Julie... this is a great post. I seriously don't think anyone should be upset that you posted it. I also think this should be featured, even if it's not real estate related. Anything to get this out their to possibly help a child and a family. I have been tested twice, but I was never a match. I was scared though, because I have heard that it does hurt. Not sure now though. But I always said when question, because it was for a great cause...helping to save a life. Thanks for sharing.... now off to bed.
Julie
Lets talk tommorow. I have some connections to the media that might be able to help spread the word. I can't promise you that they will run the story but I can try making some calls.
Rocky Turner has already contacted me to get tested for the Bone Marrow registry and I know she is trying to do what she can in our community, I've offered to help her however I can.
I will keep Trevor and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and pray that a match can be found.
Never give up..
Martin
Julie,
May I have permission to post this on all of my blogs?
Julie, you're doing the right thing! The people here on ActiveRain WILL respond positively!
Thank you to everyone who has offered to help! You may repost any or all of this information to help spread the word about Trevor.
This grassroots campaign is taking hold and people are responding.
Thank you!
Julie, is there a promo code to waive the fee? I can't come to your drive (obviously) but I would sign up online. Times are tight -- if there's a code help me out so I can help Trevor -- or someone else. (But it would be great if it were Trevor.) I give blood all the time, I would donate bone marrow. Without a code I still may register, but help a girl out!! :o)
P.S. Missed this the first time, Jeff Belonger told me about it. I saw Rocky's post and checked about donation, the closest place was 60 miles away. I'd love to get registered from home.
Trevor is no longer doing so well. My husband who is a minority would love to register, but we cannot afford the $52 fee, can someone help out with a promo code? If so please email me :)
Thank you
Daveandlinds2000@yahoo.com
Hi Lindsay,
I know that Trevor has taken a turn for the worse and so sadly it seems his days here on earth are few.
Your husband would not have to pay the $52 fee if he is of a minority race. There is a hugely disproportionate amount of available donors for children of hispanic, african american, asian, and indian descent compared to the available amount of donors for caucasian descent.
I hope that helps. And thank you so much for inquiring about becoming a donor. Trevor will live on in the hearts and memories of those he has helped.
~Julie