One-year-old Miabelle Gillier of Maplewood is in need of a bone marrow transplant to help fight the rare disorder Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or HLH.
Miabelle became ill in January and after weeks of tests and finally chemotherapy treatments, was given the diagnosis of HLH. A bone marrow transplant is needed to fight the disease, and Miabelle needs a match. Sadly, her twin sister Noelie is not a match. Miabelle’s parents Vanessa and Olivier have been writing about Miabelle’s journey in a blog. It chronicles the beginning of her illness, the tests, diagnosis, travels to hospitals, and the emotions of the her loved one. The latest post was written on April 10 and includes a video of Miabelle and her sister Noelie being reunited after months of separation.
Last month, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Maplewood held a bone marrow registry drive to help Miabelle. Over 70 people registered within a couple of hours.
Next week on April 23, another drive will take place at Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa in Montclair from 11 am – 2 pm. You can participate in the drive to possibly help Miabelle or many others in need. If you are between the ages of 18 – 60, all it takes is a simple cheek swab to determine if you’re a match.
The bone marrow drive is held through The Icla da Silva Foundation, the largest recruitment center for the Be The Match Registry in the United States. It recruits over 38,000 new potential bone marrow donors every year, with a strong focus on minority communities. You can also help by making a financial contribution. Click here for details.
Miabelle Gillier Bone Marrow Drive
Who: Adults ages 18 – 60.
What:A bone marrow donor drive for little Miabelle Gillier who was diagnosed with HLH. To see if you’re a match, all it takes is a simple cheek swab.
Where :Bangz Health & Wellness Spa, 23 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Saturday, April 23 from 11 am – 2 pm.
Cost: Free. For more information call 973.981.0159.