One Match Could Save a Life

Kingsville’s Emery Ramos is in remission from leukemia and now helping raise awareness about the urgent need for bone marrow donors.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A young Kingsville girl who captured the hearts of many across the Coastal Bend is celebrating a major milestone in her fight against leukemia.

Seven-year-old Emery Ramos is now in remission, according to her family and supporters. But while the news marks an important victory, Emery is still searching for a bone marrow donor match and so are thousands of others across the country.

Earlier this year, 3NEWS shared Emery’s story as her family searched for a life-saving donor. Now, her journey is helping bring attention to the ongoing need for more people to join the national bone marrow registry, especially within Hispanic and Latino communities.

“You can be someone’s one and only match…you’re the only one in the world,” one organizer said. “It goes by ethnicity, and we need more Hispanics and Latinos. There’s only a 13 percent representation of Latinos on our registry.”

Community members will have the chance to register as donors during “NMDP Night at the Corpus Christi Hooks” on May 22 at Whataburger Field. Emery is expected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 6:30 p.m. before the game begins.

Officials say registering is simple and free. Those unable to attend the event can still sign up online through NMDP. Participants will receive a free cheek swab kit in the mail, which can be completed and returned at no cost.

Organizers hope Emery’s story inspires more people to register and potentially become the life-saving match someone has been waiting for.

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