MISSISSAUGA Dorothy Vernon-Brown is on the search of her life.

When she was diagnosed with acute myaloid leukemia in August, 2013, the Mississauga mother said it was like a huge kick in the gut.

She underwent chemotherapy shortly after the diagnosis, which helped her into remission, but to survive, she has been told her only chance is a bone marrow transplant.

Bone marrow cells rescue patients from the lethal effect of chemotherapy, says Vernon-Browns oncologist, Dr. Mark Minden.

Since starting a relationship with Canadas stem cell and marrow network, One Match, Vernon-Browns search has come up empty.

Vernon-Brown says she is desperate: Recent tests show lower white blood cell counts in her blood an indication the cancer may be coming back.

But shes also worried about how few donors are from the black community. Vernon-Brown has been told her chance of finding a compatible donor are one in 10,000.

Genetics are key in finding potential stem cell and bone marrow donors says, One Match patient and transplant liaison, MaryLynn Pride said.

There is only a 25 per cent chance that even a sibling will be a match, says Pride. We have patients from all ethnic communities that are currently in need of a stem cell transplant.

Black Canadians makes up only 1 percent of all Canadians registered as potential donors, according to Pride.

Link:
Desperate search for bone marrow donor goes private for Mississauga woman