The Houchin Community Blood Bank held a blood drive beginning today to help a man in need of bone marrow.
According to Houchin's Facebook page, Sal Rivera is need of a bone marrow match and "needs blood and platelets to keep his strength up while he waits for his match to be found."
"It’s actually gotten worse I’ve gone septic, I loss all kinds of memory function I’m in cardiac I-C-U,” Sal Rivera said.
Family member told 23abc that Sal's second battle with cancer has taken an emotional and financial tole on the whole family. "It has been ten times harder, more emotional and we thought we were losing him.” Sal's wife Kacie Rivera said.
Houchin held, "Sal's Blood Drive" today and it will continue running through Feb. 10. at the Bolthouse Drive location. Staff officials said Sal needs either a Hispanic male or female between the ages of 14 and 44 to donate bone marrow, but anyone can donate blood as long as its O negative it will help Sal.
Sal's 15 year old daughter has also been doing her best to help others with Leukemia. Ashlyn Rivera used her student of the year campaign last April to raise a total of $5,000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Sal said the blood is what is helping him keep his strength but ultimately he needs a bone marrow donor who is his match to have a chance at recovery.
His family has also started a go fund me page.
Sal thanked all community members and organizations for their help in his fight against cancer.
