Simon D’Arienzo, 5, was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as ALL, with the Philadelphia chromosome. He has been receiving aggressive treatments of chemotherapy and steroids, along with blood transfusions, at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of  UPMC. Patients with this diagnosis are often candidates-for-a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant.

The son of Jenica Thurber and Dah D’Arienzo of the Glenshaw/Shaler area, Simon has a 2-year-old sister, Taylor. Dan works for NEP Broadcasting in Harmarville, and the family is currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Lawrenceville so Simon can receive frequent outpatient treatment. Before he got sick, Simon attended Elfinwild Preschool, and his mother says that he lives and breathes anything related to Star Wars and loves his puppy, Leia.

This blood drive is scheduled to help replenish the community blood supply from which Simon is using. Please donate blood in honor of Simon! The drive also offers the opportunity to join the Be The Match RegistryTM, the national registry for bone marrow donors. Joining is free of charge – simply complete additional paperwork and submit a sample mouth swab.

Donations can be made to:

Simon’s Jedi Fund
P.O. Box 264
Lummi Island, Wa
98262