A bone marrow drive and fundraiser was held at Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn for Dearborn resident Wadad Hadous Faraj, a grandmother of 23 children. Faraj is looking for a matching donor. PHOTO: Tariq Abdel Wahid/TAAN

DEARBORN — More than 500 people participated in a bone marrow drive and fundraiser for Wadad Hadous Faraj on July 7 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn.

In February Faraj was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, known as preleukemia.

The bone marrow transplant Faraj hopes for could increase her chances for a cure.

Faraj’s nine children and the non-profit organization Be The Match (BTM) organized the event in only five days. Faraj lives in Dearborn and has 23 grandchildren.

BTM Michigan recruiter Eric Trosko said he’s never seen a higher number of bone marrow donor participants.

“On average our nationwide drives have about 40 registered people a day, so compare that to 500 or more, it’s huge,” Trosko said.

“We are very grateful for the turnout. The community has really stepped up and with such short notice. My mom is the most selfless person you will ever meet. She always puts people in front of her. I believe the turnout we got in the community is because of the type of woman she is. She does good for everyone, so they’re trying to repay her,” Zahra Faraj said.

Test results will determine whether a match was found and will arrive in a month and a half. To be a match the donor’s tissue type must be similar enough to Faraj’s.

A swab was taken from cheek cells so tissue type could be tested. The procedure takes 60 seconds and is non-surgical.

Those who are a match will only donate blood. Going into the bone to abstract the marrow is not required.

Registered participants will be notified if their tissue is a match, and stay on the registry list until age 61. They will be contacted if their tissue is a match for others in need of a bone marrow donor.

Faraj has not been given a time limit on finding a donor. “Time limits vary, some have months, some have years,” Trosko said.

“She’s doing good, those that know her in the community wouldn’t be able to tell. My mom’s a tough one, I’m telling you,” Samerah Faraj said. Despite her symptoms of fatigue Faraj is still working. She manages a construction and restoration company.

The Faraj family is still seeking donor participants and financial contributions.

Donors can’t be younger than 18, must be in good health, have no history of HIV or AIDS and be willing to donate to any patient.

To see if you are a match or to make a financial contribution call Hassan Faraj at 313.995.5811.