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Manny Ontiveros, Recipient [1:15 seconds]
Manny Ontiveros of Salinas, California first realized something was wrong when he started
feeling weak and dizzy while running in his 8th grade PE class. When the feeling didn’t
pass, he was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome
and told that he needed a bone marrow transplant. With no matching donor in his family, his
doctors turned to the Be The Match Registry. Knowing that his Hispanic heritage could make
it harder to find a match, it came as a great relief when he learned in June 2008 that a
match had been found. Following an anxious delay brought on by deteriorating health and
the need for additional chemotherapy and radiation, Manny received his transplant in November
2008.
Today, Manny is a high school senior and an active participant in community cultural events.
He was recently elected president of a United Farm Workers student group.
“My experience has given me a new perspective,” says Manny. “Life is not a game. You need
to focus and pursue your dreams. Surviving hardship makes you stronger, physically and
mentally. With support from family and friends, you can achieve anything.”