ANSONIA >> Former Ansonia resident Anthony Mabery, 10, who now lives in Greenville, N.C., has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since February 2006.
On Dec. 28, members of Hilltop Hose Company 5 will hold a bone marrow drive from 1 to 4 p.m. at the firehouse, 80 Pulaski Highway.
The drive is not only for Anthony but also for anyone in need of a bone marrow transplant, said Hilltop Hose Company past Capt. Tim Holman, Anthony’s grandfather.
Holman said a recent bone marrow drive held in Bridgeport drew about 100 possible donors, and he hopes even more people will show up on Dec. 28 for the drive. “It’s really simple (to register),” Holman said. “They swab your mouth. It takes two minutes.”
Holman said his grandson remains upbeat despite all the medical problems he faces. “One thing remains constant, his faith and optimism,” Holman said. “There’s no cure, but there’s hope.”
Anthony was admitted into a hospital in North Carolina Tuesday (Dec. 17), said his aunt, Shantana Hazel of Bridgeport.
Hazel is the sister of Starneisha Maye, Anthony’s mother, who is formerly of Ansonia and Bridgeport. Hazel spoke to Anthony Tuesday, and she said he sounded confident he would not be staying in the hospital for long.
She said she and Anthony have a special bond because she suffers from several medical problems including endometriosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
“He’s a chill, laid-back kid, brighter than the average 10 year old,” Hazel said. “He knows everything about the medication he takes. He smiles through it all.”
Hazel is the founder of Sister-Girl Foundation. The organization focuses on helping women facing medical issues ranging from endometriosis to gynecological cancers, she said. “The joy in my life comes from having this foundation,” Hazel said.
Sister-Girl is one of the sponsors of the bone marrow drive, along with Delete Blood Cancer and the Positive Men’s Organization in Ansonia. Holman is president of the men’s club. Monetary donations will also be accepted at the Dec. 28 drive, Hazel said.
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