Patient Stories
Shakobe Peters
Shakobe Peters, a 13 years-old from New Orleans, LA suffers from a very rare disease called Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis shutting off his ability to produce red blood cells and platelets. He receives frequent blood and platelet transfusions and is in need of a bone marrow transplant but does not have a match.
Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Shakobe's family, we at Preserve Our Legacy, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shakobe Peters, which occurred on October 22nd, 2011. This young man, only 13, was extremely courageous, when faced with this deadly disease, he fought long to hold on. At such a young playful age, he just wanted what every other kid he knew had, good health and to be home. In a children's hospital bed, for months on end, he desperately needed a stem cell transplant from a non-related donor, whom, was from the same ethnicity. But due to the lack of African American donors registered, the chances for a much needed match were limited and very unfortunately, never found. He has left us, but not our memories and hearts, in his honor, we will always strive to for fill our mission and increase the numbers, so others like him may have a chance.
God Bless Shakobe Peters! RIP
Saving Isaiah Platt
12-year-old Isaiah Platt was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2007. There is currently no matching donor for Isaiah in the world wide marrow registries. This disease is usually not fatal but he is one of the rare cases. Although Isaiah’s health condition is not that of the average person you see his age, one would never be able to tell he’s suffering from illness. He is a high spirited, loving child. In getting to know him I have obtained a lot of information about him and his family. The most surprising thing about Isaiah is although he is ill, he wants to and does whatever he can to help others. Helping Families Now is working with great people, doing everything in our will to help this young man. How many of us will ever have the opportunity to save the life of another human being? It is a rare gift for both the donor and the patient. And in some cases, you might be the one and only person in the world who has a matching tissue type for a particular patient. You can be a real life SUPEHERO! Please consider joining the marrow registry. Together, we can help save lives.
EVENTS
March 17, 2011 – Purple Ribbon Affair (Bone Marrow Awareness Event)
The Diamond Club hwy 70 James City NC doors open @ 9:30pm
March 25, 2011 – Party With A Purpose (Bone Marrow Awareness Event)
The Stratusphere Complex 4075 gum branch rd Jacksonville NC doors open @ 10pm
March 26, 2011 – Bone Marrow Drive
Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel 129 Circuit Lane Jacksonville NC from 2:30pm – 6pm
April 23, 2011 – Friends & Family Day In The Park (Bone Marrow Drive & Awareness event)
1244 Onslow pines rd, Jacksonville NC 1pm – until
Lloyd "LJ" Jones
Monday, 01 November 2010 19:00
LJ is 10 years old. LJ was diagnosed with Hyper-Eosiniphilic Syndrome and needs
a marrow transplant.
LJ just found out that no one is his family is a match. He needs a marrow transplant from a stranger to win his battle.
LJ’s illness is one of the rarest forms of cancer. In fact LJ is the first child diagnosed with this disease. All others have been adults. He is currently undergoing treatment in New York.
We will host various bone marrow drives for LJ.
Nyiah Young
Monday, 01 November 2010 19:00
Nyiah Young, born November 6, 2005, was diagnosed with Sickle Cell 
Anemia - - a diseases in which her red blood cells form in an abnormal crescent shape.
In August of 2009, Nyiah suffered a stroke that affected both sides of her brain and left her with some residual paralysis. She was treated and diagnosed with Moya Moya Disease - - a thinning and separation of the blood vessels in the brain. Control of this disease requires the implanting of a double lumen port, which makes it possible for Nyiah to receive monthly Transfusion/Apheresis treatments at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak lawn, IL.