Commonwealth Motors for the cure for Samira Sarkis

April 17, 2015 - PRLog -- Over the years, as a teacher and coach of both wrestling and football at Greater Lawrence Tech, Lawrence’s Tony Sarkis has done so much for countless young men and women in need or distress.

If someone needed a ride, a bite to eat, some advice or even serious life guidance, Sarkis has been the man to see.

Now, it’s Sarkis and his family who are in need, and he’s looking for help.

Sarkis’ youngest daughter, 13-year-old Samira, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease — a blood disorder that causes severe joint pain, acute chest syndrome and strokes — during newborn screening and has been seriously affected.

She has suffered two strokes and is currently on monthly blood transfusions to prevent further incidents.

Thankfully, there is a cure, and this is where Sarkis and his family are seeking help. A bone marrow transplant will not only stop the need for blood transfusions but offer a cure for Samira.

The Sarkis family is reaching out to anyone of Latino or Mediterranean descent who could be a match to come forward and be tested to see if they’d be a full match. Candidates must be between 18 and 44, meet health guidelines and be willing to donate to any patient in need.

Anyone willing to be tested should attend a registration event Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Basil’s Salvatorian Center, 30 East St. in Methuen or go to www.bethematch.org, fill out the survey and application and follow the requested steps.

Sarkis and his wife also have an older daughter, 16-year-old Carissa, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth and has experienced problems, but Samira is in far more urgent need.

Commonwealth Motors asks all their friends and customers to show their support of the Sarkis family and seriously consider being tested.

Our prayers and best wishes go out to this great family.

Photo:
https://www.prlog.org/12446351/2