Des Plaines Man Seeks Bone Marrow Donor

A Des Plaines man is asking for the community’s help to find a bone marrow donor to possibly save his life, according to a public announcement from a nonprofit organization helping to promote the effort.

Neftali Hernandez, 35, of Des Plaines, has undergone cancer treatment for the last three years. After being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, he has not been the same, stated Mariana Sgarbi, spokesperson for the Icla da Silva Foundation.

“First, he can no longer work,” Sgarbi stated. “He held jobs like roofing and landscaping, as well as restaurant jobs, all of which need the person to be very healthy and strong.”

A bone marrow drive for Hernandez will be held at Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Road in 
Des Plaines, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.

Hernandez was reticent to say much about matter, Sgarbi stated.

“Neftali is a very shy guy,” Sgarbi stated.

Aplastic anemia occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website, leaves you feeling fatigued and at higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

“Unfortunately none of his siblings is compatible to be Naftali's bone marrow donor,” Sgarbi stated.

Sgarbi said the number of Latinos on the registry list for bone marrow donors was comparatively lower than other groups, when compared with population statistics.

“Neftali needs the Hispanic community to help him find a donor!,” Sgarbi stated.

For more information call (773) 551-8222.

Related: Hispanics Face Bone Marrow Donor Shortage - Help Neftali Hernandez!

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