BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- In many ways, Rhome Simpkins is like any other 10-year-old boy. He likes to watch the Disney Channel and loves to play video games. The only thing that sets him apart from other kids is his fight against the rare blood disease, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

"He likes to go hard like the regular kids. Sometimes he doesn't realize he has an illness and he would go outside, play all day and jump, and then later on at night he starts swelling up. So we try to monitor him and tell him, Rhome slow down, relax," said Jerome Simpkins, Rhome's father.

Rhome was diagnosed with the rare immune deficiency disorder when he was 1-year-old. Because he does not have enough blood cells that help control bleeding, Rhome has to take it easy. Rhome has undergone at least ten surgeries and relies on several medications daily.

Every four weeks, Rhome has to undergo treatments to increase his platelet count and control bleeding. Through it all, Rhome has been a survivor.

"I stay strong through prayer," said Rhome.

Rhome is also beating the odds living with the disease.

"Rhome has outlived any kid with Wiskott-Aldrich disease, they don't live past 4-years-old. And he's 10, so he's been blessed," said Latoya Hicks, Rhome's mother.

Rhome is just one out of 6,000 people looking for a bone marrow match on the be the match registry.

If he finds his match, Hicks said he will be cured.

A lot of times myself, I pray," said Simpkins. "I believe that something good is going to happen out of this because God wouldn't keep him around this long for nothing."

All the family said thy can do now is hold out hope his match walks through the door this weekend.

To help support Rhome and other kids looking for a match you can donate blood this Saturday at Houchin Blood Bank at 5901 Truxtun Ave.

The blood drive and bone marrow registry runs from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

For more information, call 661-323-4222.