After months of tireless efforts by colleagues and loved ones, a life-saving bone marrow match had been found for a Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant who is battling leukemia, supporters announced this weekend.
Fellow deputies have been organizing bone marrow matching events at sheriff’s stations and other sites throughout the region in hopes of finding a desperately-needed matching bone marrow donor for Sgt. Jorge Chavez, a 17-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department. She sergeant is in need of a bone marrow transplant after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in December.
And on Friday, the “Be a HERO for Sergeant Jorge Chavez” Facebook page, dedicated to helping the deputy and his family through their journey, announced, “the news we have all been waiting for!”
The online community went on to share a letter from the Chavez family:
“It is with tremendous thanks and praising God that we share with you that a matching donor has been found and Jorge will be receiving his transplant within the next couple of weeks,” it said.
“Although we still have a long road ahead of us, your prayers, help, support and caring efforts have set us on our way. Earth Angel hero wherever you are, thank you. May our heavenly Father bless you forever. You will always have a very special place in our hearts.
“We now hope & pray that everyone will keep their hearts and minds open to the possibility of being a donor for another person who needs a hero too. With all our hearts, thank you,” the letter continued.
Chavez was most recently assigned to the sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau, colleagues said. Previous assignments included the sheriff’s San Dimas and Industry stations.
Despite the encouraging news, the community’s help is still needed, both for Chavez and other cancer patients in need.
Chavez will continue requiring blood and platelets over the coming months, according to the supporters’ Facebook page. Donors were encouraged to make an appointment at the City of Hope in Duarte. If blood and platelet donations are not needed by Chavez, they will not be wasted, as they will be used to help other patients.
“Also, although we have been fortunate enough to find Jorge his match, many other families — including four LASD families — have not been so fortunate, YET,” according to the web page. “Please continue to spread the word about being a donor and about the upcoming events. All of the events being held in support of Jorge can help anyone! Jorge would like to see many more families given the gift of life!”
For more information, visit Be a HERO for Sergeant Jorge Chavez online at www.facebook.com/sgtjorgechavez.
PHOTO of Sgt. Jorge Chavez courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
