Coachella Valley Teen Fighting Leukemia Inspires Call for Stem Cell Donors

A 13-year-old girl from the Coachella Valley is fighting leukemia and using her journey to raise awareness about the urgent need for stem cell and bone marrow donors.

Zoe was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022 at just 11 years old. Once an active soccer player and rodeo competitor, her life changed drastically after she began experiencing fatigue and developed red spots on her skin, which signaled low platelets.

Despite the challenges, Zoe maintains a positive attitude. “The best thing I can do is just stay positive and try to help people,” she said.

Her mother has become her biggest supporter, advocating for more people to join the National Marrow Donor Program. The family says finding a compatible donor has been difficult, especially within the Hispanic community where awareness about bone marrow donation is limited.

Experts say the donor registration process is simple: fill out a short form, complete a 10-second cheek swab, and wait to see if you match a patient in need. Those few steps can save lives.

Zoe is one of about 60,000 people in the United States battling leukemia who could benefit from a donor.

For more information about joining the bone marrow registry, visit bethematch.org.

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