Gurjeet Dosanjh-Brar has been battling a rare form of lymphatic cancer and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.
Friends and family of Dosanjh-Brar are holding a series of bone marrow drives at Northern California Sikh temples, one to be held at the Turlock Sikh Temple from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The transplant could prove instrumental in aiding her recovery.
Dosanjh-Brar, a 36 year-old mother of three from Fairfield, was diagnosed with a rare T-Cell Lymphoma two months ago. In November, she underwent aggressive chemo treatments in hopes of curing her T-Cell Lymphoma. She is currently in dire need of a bone marrow match.
Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and in generally good health. Testing to become a donor involves a cheek swab to collect cheek cells. If a person matches Dosanjh-Brar or another cancer patient in need, 3-5 percent of the donor's blood is extracted; all of which the body replaces on its own.
People of the same race and ethnicity are more likely to be a bone marrow match. There is a low number of Indian donors, which is why the bone marrow drives are being held in communities across the Valley.
The Turlock Sikh Temple is located at 1373 5th St. A bone marrow drive will also be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Modesto Sikh Temple, 5743 E. Hatch Rd., Hughson.
Donors can also order a HOME-TEST-KIT online at www.aadp.org. For more information about the bone marrow drives, visit www. HelpGurjeet.com.