Montreal man seeking ethnic bone marrow donors finds a match

A Montreal leukemia patient who launched an international appeal for ethnic bone-marrow donors has found a match.

But Emru Townsend says even though he was successful, there is still a desperate need for potential donors from diverse ethnic groups.

"I'm happy that I've been able to beat the odds so far," said Townsend, who was diagnosed with leukemia in December. "However this doesn't make the issue any less urgent."

Townsend, who is of African-Caribbean descent, said blacks, along with other ethnic groups, are underrepresented in bone marrow registries worldwide.

No Caribbean countries maintain registries, so it is up to people of African-Caribbean origin to join the pool of potential donors, Townsend said. As of March 31, 1,633 people of African origin were on the Canadian registry.

There are now 500 searches underway for Canadian patients needing bone-marrow transplants.

Stem cells can be donated after registering with the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network or with Hema-Quebec's stem cell registry.

Townsend also highlighted the cases of a Chinese woman in Toronto and an aboriginal woman in Ilford, Man., who are also looking for a donor.

There is also a possibility the person who agreed to donate to him will have a change of heart.

His sister said the family will continue efforts to promote the need for donors.

"So many people have helped, but they cannot stop because Emru is just one person," said Tamu Townsend. "We have failed in a way if he is matched and everyone stops talking on behalf of everyone else."