While visiting San Diego last week, one of my sisters got us tickets for a Zumba fundraiser. The event honored a young fellow named Isaac who was celebrating his second birthday and the first anniversary of his cord blood transplant.
Isaac and his mom
When Isaac was less than a year old, he was diagnosed with Tay Sachs, a rare and fatal genetic disorder. It impairs the production of an enzyme which breaks down waste material in the brain, thus destroying the neurological system. As waste materials build up, the baby regresses, losing the ability to sit, hear, see, eat and, ultimately, breathe.
If you’re like me, you might be wondering what cord blood is. According to the National Cord Blood Program website, cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and the part of the umbilical cord which is still attached to it after the cord is cut. Experiments with this extra blood, which is not needed by the baby, have found it can be used as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of stem cells.
Isaac’s family has received financial assistance through the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. In honor of Isaac’s successful transplant, his family hosted the Zumba event to benefit COTA in Isaac’s honor.
Gaby Garcia leading a Zumba class
Two Zumba teachers, Gaby Garcia and Ozzie Jimenez donated their time and talent to Saturday’s event, which was held at San Diego State University. We had two lively back to back Zumba classes, followed by cake.
Ozzie JImenez leading the day’s second Zumba class
People could also bid on silent auction items and learn more about organ transplants from the staff of Donate Life California, who had a table set up. As their brochure points out, you can save up to eight lives as an organ donor and improve 50 more through donating tissue. Right now, Californians make up about 20 percent of Americans waiting for an organ, and one out of three of them will die due to lack of donors. I was especially impressed by this photogenic young woman modeling a vest showing all the organs you can donate.
This vest helps you find organs for possible donation.
Note the kidneys on back.
You can also donate your kidneys.
Zumba fundraising is a great idea: fun, festive, and good for you. Organ donation, also a great idea: the ultimate in both recycling and helping your fellow humans.
