Advocate Profile: The Contreras Family
In March 2015, Chris Contreras hit his elbow and it became infected -- leaving him with cellulitis and a staph infection.
When the symptoms returned that August, Chris and his wife Stacy (pictured here) spent time at the University of San Francisco Medical Center for further testing.
After months of waiting for an answer, Chris was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in December 2015. The family was devastated.
"Chris was a 36-year-old with three kids," said Stacy. " This turned our world upside down. This happened to our family, it can happen to anyone."
As the family coped with the news of Chris's diagnosis, Stacy said they were instantly inspired to raise awareness about the need for diverse donors to join the registry and raise funds to support families in need.
"We want to help other people," Stacy said. "And, are dedicated to giving back in Chris's name."
Once they formed TEAMCHRIS, the Contreras family leapt into action, hosting numerous donor drives and worked with California Assembly Member Hadley to name May 2016 Bone Marrow Donation Awareness Month in their home state.
|