APAs Selected as California Schoolmasters of the Year
March 10, 2010
Lowell High principal Andrew Ishibashi and Noriega and Francis Scott Key Child Development Centers’ Site Manager Candace Lee, have been selected as Schoolmasters of the Year for 2009-10 for the San Francisco Unified School District. The two were honored at a dinner at the Napa Elks Club on March 5.
“I feel deeply honored because this was the first time that this award has been presented to an educator from the Child Development Program,” says Lee. “I thank Superintendent Carlos Garcia and his cabinet for recognizing the value of my work.”
The Schoolmaster of the Year Award is sponsored by the California Schoolmasters’ club, which was established in 1893. Membership is open to all Northern California area educators. The award is given to principals in participating school districts who show exceptional leadership.
Catwalk 2010 Searches for the Next Transgender Supermodel
March 2, 2010
San Francisco – New Guard Production Company recently announced that the search for the next transgender supermodel is on! Catwalk 2010 is an elite modeling competition catering to the male to female transgender community and will take place on Saturday, April 10 at 7pm at SOMARTS Gallery in San Francisco, California.
Catwalk now in its’ junior year is presented by DIVAS Club, Moonstar Restaurant & Catering and The Endup Club. Aspiring transgender models from all over the country compete in various categories including Cocktail Wear, swimwear and evening wear. Hosted by community icon Tita Aida, Catwalk 2010 features special guests drag-glam lip sync group, RICE ROCKETTES and hip-hop dance group, Freeplay Dance Company. This year’s presentation benefits the AIDS Housing Alliance, a non- profit organization providing case management specifically to people living with HIV/AIDS, advocating for equal housing rights, and working to prevent homelessness.
Last year, Catwalk attracted 450 attendees from all over the Bay Area and they witnessed an amazing presentation of fashion, compassion, advocacy and style all in one runway. Carmen Cass, a native of Los Angeles took the title Catwalk ’09. Carmen said, “I will use this title to empower my fellow trans sisters to pursue their dream!” Indeed Carmen did, and she is now pursuing her modeling career in Los Angeles and New York. Catwalk 2010 expects to meet or exceed last year’s attendance and generate proceeds designated for the beneficiary, AIDS Housing Alliance.
Catwalk is one of the few events that celebrates and focuses on the profound beauty of the transgender community. Catwalk not only allows the TG community to have an event, but it also provides networking opportunities for TG focused service providers to reach out to their target population. Participating are the TRANS THRIVE and ATE Program of the A&PI Wellness Center. Catwalk also allows local businesses the chance to support the TG community via sponsorship, promotional opportunities, and making their products or services available.
Tickets are now available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93508. A $ 5.00 discount is available to online tickets purchases by entering “CW2010Z” when prompted for a discount code.
Catwalk 2010 is produced by New Guard Production Company, a San Francisco based California Corporation specializing in development and physical production of unique LGBT performing arts events, film, radio, television, print and new media.
International Feng Shui Master Shows You How to Thrive in Today’s Economy
February 25, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A faltering economy and unstable job market is leaving many uncertain about their futures. Joey Yap plans to change that by using feng shui and astrology to help prepare people to flourish in 2010 in their careers, health, and relationships by capitalizing on their best dates in their astrological forecast. Read more
Third Part of North Korea: The Human Face Series
February 25, 2010
San Francisco — As part of the North Korea: The Human Face series, Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) & the Intercultural Institute of California (IIC) is hosting guest speaker Scott Bruce, Director of US Operations for the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability at the USF Center for the Pacific Rim, to discuss energy and security in North Korea.
This event is part three of the ongoing North Korea: Human Face program series. The program is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council, the Center for Pacific Rim, the Japan Policy Research Institute, and the Nautilus Institute.
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 17th at 6pm. 7pm reception with Korean refreshments
Location: Korean Center/1362 Post Street, San Francisco
See www.iic.edu and www.koreancentersf.org.
About the discussion:
Winter is a dangerous time for North Koreans, as it is when they are most likely to run out of food and coal. Given the endemic energy shortage in the DPRK, projects that promote energy efficiency and the transfer of energy-efficient technology to the country are a necessity. This talk will discuss the impact of cooperative, humanitarian energy efficiency projects in North Korea which have a direct and significant impact on the lives of many North Koreans, build in-country human capacity, and helps to open the door to
further engagement.
San Francisco Japantown Foundation Announces 2010 Matching Grants Program Participants
February 23, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Japantown Foundation today announced its selection of ten nonprofit projects and activities to participate in its 2010 matching grants program.
These projects will be awarded up to $4,000 through a matching grants program instituted by the Foundation. Selected projects will have until April 30, 2010, to fulfill their match by asking individuals to contribute to the Foundation and earmarking their donation for their specific project.
The Foundation selected the projects based on criteria outlined in its submission guidelines and on how well each applicant advanced the Foundation’s mission to support cultural, community and educational activities for San Francisco’s Japantown or the Japanese American community.
For more information on how to donate, visit: http://www.sfjapantownfoundation.org/donate.
The following ten projects and activities have been selected to participate in the matching grants program:
The nihonmachiROOTS Community Engagement Project increases community engagement for the Japantown Better Neighborhoods Plan and builds a multi-generational, multi-ethnic network of community members to work on issues affecting Japantown. The project is also focuses on building trust and consensus within the community and determining issue priorities. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The 2nd Annual J-POP SUMMIT Festival is a pop culture-themed street fair that covers the grounds of Post Street from Webster to Buchanan to the Peace Plaza of Japantown. The festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The Rosa Parks Elementary School Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program, a San Francisco Unified School District alternative elementary school program offering Japanese language and culture in addition to the standard English based curriculum. Japanese is taught by sensei, native Japanese speaking teachers, who bring authentic Japanese language, and a personal perspective to Japanese culture into the classroom on a daily basis. The program will conduct numerous cultural events throughout the year. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The National Japanese American Historical Society’s annual summer Japantown Cultural Heritage Tourism Youth Leadership Internship engages high school and college age youth in a two-month internship
designed to: Engage young people in Japantown historic and cultural preservation; Increase visits by youth and the general public to Japantown; Increase participation by youth and the general public in Japantown activities by promoting what the community has to offer; and Develop youth leadership in Japantown. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
Kanrin Maru 150th Anniversary Celebration, fiscally sponsored by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Kanrin Maru to San Francisco, the first official Japanese ship to land on American soil and to celebrate 150 years of history between the United States and Japan and the roots of the Japanese American community. The Kanrin Maru’s arrival signaled an important chapter in the beginning of official relations between the United States and Japan, seven years after Commodore Matthew Perry sailed to Japan to end two centuries of Japan’s self-imposed isolation. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Parade’s Kanrin Maru 150th Anniversary Floats. This year, the Cherry Blossom Fesrival Parade will welcome specially created floats to celebrate the historic
celebration of the Kanrin Maru’s arrival to San Francisco. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The 18th Annual Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) Festival and School Visit Program, run by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, allows children and their families to learn about and embrace Japanese culture through hands-on activities; to enjoy traditional and contemporary Japanese and Japanese American arts and entertainment; and welcome them to our safe, prosperous and culturally vibrant Japantown community. The Kodomo no Hi Program preserves and honors San Francisco Japantown’s rich history for its residents, businesses, visitors and community organizations while supporting the growth and development of the community we live in and serve. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The Michiya Hanayagi Dance Studio will perform at various community events throughout the year. After 55 years of teaching, Hanayagi’s contributions towards promoting the Japanese culture through classical dance gained her the prestige of being honored in 2004 as one of the recipients of The Foreign Minister’s Commendation in Commemoration of the 150 th Anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Relationship. The Japantown
Foundation will match up to $1,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
The Nikkei Community Internship Program run by the California Japanese American Community Leadership Council offering college students throughout California an opportunity to obtain experience supporting the work of various community organizations and increasing their understanding of contemporary issues affecting Japanese Americans. The goal of the program is to support the development of the next generation of community leaders. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
“What’s Next for J-Town? A Young Adults’ Perspective on San Francisco’s Japantown,” is a research project by Aya Ino focusing on the next generation of young adults and their interests, followed by a collective analysis on perspectives of San Francisco’s Japantown. With a growing need to keep this specific population vibrant within our community, research will be conducted through surveys and creative
online tools to assess the needs of those who are 19 to 35 in age.
Results will be presented and available for all stakeholders of Japantown including merchants, residents, churches, organizations, and individuals, in hopes that future events will reflect the collective perspectives voiced by the next generation. The Japantown Foundation will match up to $2,000 in donations earmarked for this program.
This was the Foundation’s third round of grantmaking since being founded in December 2006.
The Foundation was formed through generous initial endowments by Kintetsu Enterprises of America, the late Jack Hirose, Hats and Amey Aizawa, Union Bank of California and Minami Tamaki LLP, which is also doing the foundation’s pro bono legal work.
The organization is dedicated to preserving and honoring Japantown’s history and culture, to welcoming and serving its residents, visitors, businesses, congregations and community organizations, and to supporting the growth and development of the community. In particular, the Foundation supports activities that reflect the Japanese American experience, and activities that engage Japanese of all generations and all experiences in America.
The Foundation board is comprised of: Hats Aizawa; Bob Hamaguchi representing the Japantown Task Force; Richard Hashimoto representing the Japantown Merchants Association; Keith Kamisugi; Diane Matsuda; Sandy Mori; Jon Osaki; Allen Okamoto representing Sakura Matsuri, Inc.; Donald K. Tamaki of Minami Tamaki LLP, Board President and Legal Counsel; and June-Ko Nakagawa representing Japanese Chamber of
Commerce of Northern California. The late Jack Hirose was also a member of the board.
For more information on the Foundation, visit http://sfjapantownfoundation.org.
2010 College Scholarships Now Available
February 22, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced its InspirAsian Employee Resource Group is now accepting applications from aspiring college students for financial assistance through the group’s scholarship fund. The program will provide at least 10 university-bound students up to $2,000 each in aid for exemplary scholastic achievement and community leadership.
All college-bound students living within PG&E’s Northern and Central California service area are welcome to apply. In 2009, the utility’s employee resource groups awarded $246,000 in scholarships to help 157 students with their college expenses.
To apply for a scholarship, students need to complete a basic and supplemental application. Complete scholarship information, including award criteria and applications, are posted on the PG&E scholarship website at www.pge.com/about/community/scholarships/. Completed applications must be postmarked and mailed to the specific employee resource group by March 1, 2010.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG ), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in northern and central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/about/
APA Family Support Services Selected as Project by Project SF’s 2010 Partner
February 19, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Project by Project SF/Bay Area, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on
issues affecting Asian Americans in the US, has selected APA Family Support Services (APA) as its
2010 Partner Organization. This marks the first campaign partnership for PbP SF/Bay Area since the launch of the chapter in September 2009.
Project by Project (PbP)’s 2010 national theme is “Asian Americans and Health Care”. In keeping with that theme, PbP SF/Bay Area has selected APA Family Support Services (APA) as its partner of choice based on a number of criteria including level of need, impact in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community, potential for volunteer opportunities, and pan-Asian reach.
APA’s mission is to promote healthy families and to prevent child abuse and domestic violence in API communities. APA addresses a variety of Asian immigrant health issues including health disparity, access, awareness, and education through home visitation, parent support, mental health services, and community advocacy and development. All of APA’s services are designed for San Francisco’s most vulnerable population of children and their families.
Lecture in North Korea: The Human Face Series Continues
February 19, 2010
San Francisco —Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) & the Intercultural Institute of California (IIC) is presenting the second lecture in the North Korea: Human Face program series.
This program is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council, the Center for Pacific Rim, the Japan Policy Research Institute, and the Nautilus Institute. Guest speaker Stephen McNeil, Assistant Regional Director for Peacebuilding Work with American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), will be speaking on “Opening the Door to Peace in North Korea: AFSC and Humanitarian Assistance.”
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 3rd at 6pm. 7pm reception with Korean refreshments
Location: Korean Center/1362 Post Street, San Francisco
See www.iic.edu and www.koreancentersf.org.
About guest speaker Stephen McNeil:
Stephen McNeil has directed U.S. based relief work from 1999 to 2009. Since 1990 he has traveled and worked throughout Japan, including work with Korean Japanese. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) in Washington, DC. Mr. McNeil also serves on the board of Volunteers in Asia, a group dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through cross- cultural exchange programs.
Stephen McNeil will discuss the longstanding partnership AFSC has had with the Korean Peninsula, which originated with Ham Sok Hon’s efforts to advocate for human rights and non-violence in Korea during the 20th century. Ham Sok Hon was nicknamed the “Gandhi of Korea,” and designated as a national cultural figure by the South Korean government. Mr. McNeil will also discuss AFSC’s humanitarian assistance programs which includes technical assistance to the citizens of North Korea, medical assistance, and even musical exchange. These past 5 years, AFSC has been engaging North Korea through efforts in China and Vietnam.
About AFSC:
AFSC has so far hosted fourteen delegations abroad for technical study in sustainable agriculture, and brought agricultural scientists from the US to North Korea. Their exposure to ordinary citizens in the US and other countries visited allows them to take home new ideas. AFSC’s continuing work in the DPRK builds new understanding between the North Korean and American people and helps to break down stereotyped images on both sides. AFSC also organized the first medical delegation from DPRK to
the United States for an exposure tour of U.S. medical facilities.
About the North Korea: The Human Face:
North Korea: The Human Face is an educational, non-partisan lecture series committed to generating dialogue in the Bay Area on the topic of humanitarian aid and human security in North Korea. The program’s goal is to provide a forum that will heighten knowledge, promote critical thinking, and provide opportunities for our audience to interact with academic and professional specialists working on these issues.
This lecture series moves beyond the conventional discourse on North Korea and discusses real solutions to the country’s humanitarian problems. By doing so, this will help create a better understanding of the humanitarian situation in North Korea, demonstrate how humanitarian work is making a positive impact, and inspire more students, professionals, and scholars to become involved in initiatives furthering humanitarian aid and human security in North Korea.
About the Korean Center, Inc.
KCI is the only comprehensive community service organization in San Francisco dedicated to serving the Korean American community as well as promoting cross-cultural exchanges in recognition of today’s global society. KCI accomplishes this through educational programs and cultural offerings that cultivate Korea’s rich cultural and historical legacy. It has been KCI’s task to share its distinct resources with the public, thus contributing to the fabric of San Francisco, an international city known for its cultural richness. KCI works to deliver its programs in collaboration with other agencies that represent today’s multiethnic and global environment. The organization also aims to assist Korean Americans realize their full potential through education, training, and cultural and social services. KCI strives to advocate the rights and interests of immigrants in the Bay Area as well as serve as a cultural focal point for the community.
Run Katie, Run!
February 18, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO - Twelve-year old Katie Lo is more athlete-saleswoman than aspiring doctor. Hustling for pledges, the St. Cecilia School student is among one hundred entrants raising money for Chinese Hospital in the YMCA Chinatown’s 32nd annual Chinese New Year Run.
During these tough economic times, the community still reaches deep into its pockets to give red envelopes and donations. Katie herself scraped up as of last Tuesday, more than $1,300 in pledges going to Chinese Hospital’s capitol campaign.
“Throughout this fund raising experience, the one thing that surprised me the most is the generosity and the willingness of people to support me for the run,” said Lo.
“I am happy to know that so many people are willing to sacrifice their hard earned money toward this charitable cause, especially since we have a tough economy right now,” she said.
The Chinatown YMCA’s run primarily benefits physical education programs at three neighborhood elementary schools: Gordon J. Lau, John Yehall Chin and Jean Parker.
“Every day we provide fitness and nutritional education to over 1100 students,” said Andy Chu, Race Director for the Chinatown YMCA.
The Chinese Hospital capital campaign, for the second year ranging from six to eight-six year olds including Katie, sponsor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and others, is benefiting from the run and through a long standing relationship.
“Prior to Chinese Hospital’s opening in April 1925, the Chinatown YMCA was one of fifteen community agencies who provided support to open the hospital,” said Chu.
Katie sets herself apart from her peers by “learning new things and challenging myself.” The daughter of Ingleside Terrace residents Jeanette and Peter Lo had a two-fold task – soliciting pledges and running the early morning 5K/10K annual race twisting through Chinatown and the Financial District on Sunday, Feb. 21.
To chalk up so many pledges at a minimum of $35 apiece, she said “it helps a lot to be prepared with a clear plan, practice what you are going to say when you ask for donation, and have the courage and be persistent about asking a lot of people.”
Lo, outside of school, has prepped for the race by to a lot of tournaments. “I play competitive basketball year round and practice a lot so I think I am physically ready for the race. If not, I can always just walk to finish it.”
She is among 1,500 runners and volunteers drawn to the Chinatown YMCA run. “Rain or shine… this run is a community building activity that promotes physical fitness and community service,” said Kari Lee, Chinatown YMCA Executive Director, whose own Sacramento Street building will reopen this fall.
Pledges for Chinese Hospital go to replacing its 1920s era building at 835 Jackson Street with a modern and expanded health facility for patients who are 70 percent elderly. Nearly half reside in Chinatown.
Deadline to join the Chinese Hospital team is Friday, Feb. 19 by contacting Julia Ling at 415-677-2470 or julial@chasf.org. For more the team and the capitol campaign, go to www.chinesehospital-sf.org/. More race information can also be found at www.ymcasf.org/chinatown or call 415-576-9622
Angel Island’s Goals Introduced to Silicon Valley
February 17, 2010
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation initiated its Centennial Year Celebration in the South Bay with a private luncheon for Silicon Valley movers and shakers in the Asian American community at the Santa Clara Hilton. Guest Speaker Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren discussed the importance of remembering the unfair discriminatory practices against immigrants during the Angel Island Immigration Station era from 1910-1940. She also informed the over 150 patronage of the current immigration issues and reform her congressional committee will address this year. California Assemblyman Paul Fong spoke of his own family’s immigrant background as flower growers in Santa Clara Valley. Sponsors of the luncheon event were Glenn Osaka and Ko Nishimura.
Executive Director Eddie Wong noted that 2010 is the 100th anniversary year of the United States Immigration Station at Angel Island, explaining, “With the cooperation of Angel Island State Park, we are building a Centennial Wall to provide an opportunity for supporters to make a permanent recognition on Angel Island of those who came to build America, from all periods of time, whether or not they passed through Angel Island. This is a time to remember the coming of America of all immigrants, whether it be during the Angel Island 30 years and up to the present time.”
One hundred years ago, on January 21, 1910, over 200 immigrants were shipped from the Chinese Detention Shed located at First and Brannan Street in San Francisco to open the Angel Island Immigration Station. One hundred years later, to commemorate the opening of this National Historic Landmark, a naturalization ceremony of 100 new U.S. citizens was held at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater, as organized by the AIISF.
At the Santa Clara County event, a graphic diagram of the proposed Centennial Wall was projected on a large screen for all of the Silicon Valley guests to view as AIISF Board President Buck Gee and Board Member Gerrye Wong explained that individual plaques will be placed on this existing concrete wall which is located in a beautiful setting on the water’s edge near the historic Bell. Wong further explained that the public is invited to celebrate the life of an ancestor, a friend, relative, a new American, or even oneself by purchasing and dedicating a plaque in someone or their family’s honor.
Contributions of $2500 and above received by December 31, 2010 will be recognized by the individual plaques, and AIISF encourages families to pool resources to recognize and honor their ancestors or companies to recognize founders on this wall. This wall will be in recognition of any and all immigrants who have come to America’s Pacific shores from all parts of the world. It is anticipated that all name plaques on the wall will be placed by Fall 2011.
Contributions to the Centennial Wall will be used to develop a new exhibit on Angel Island and on the AIISF website, called IMMIGRANT VOICES, an interactive, multimedia experience that will tell the stories of many of the people from over 80 nationalities who immigrated through Angel Island and more recent immigrants who have helped build America. Stories will soon be collected to be included in this exhibit and all are encouraged to contact AIISF if you have a relative who passed through Angel Island, or has an interesting immigration story.
All contributions $100 and above received by December 31, 2010 will also be recognized at the immigration station for at least two years and on the website. Those donors $2500 and above will be permanently acknowledged on the Centennial Wall with their own plaque designated as per their instructions to their family or ancestor. There is space on the wall for up to 300 plaques.
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote a greater understanding of Pacific Coast immigration and its role in shaping America’s past, present and future. It raises funds to restore, preserve and interpret the U.S. Immigration Station at Angel Island, a National Historic Landmark. For further information: visit www.aiisf.org or contact (415) 262-4429 to learn how you can participate in this Centennial Year commemoration.
Pacific Renaissance Phase II Grand Opening
February 17, 2010
The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation and Metro Bay Realty are pleased to announce that the first phase of Pacific Renaissance Plaza’s Below-Market-Rate condos have sold out. A grand opening and open house event for Phase 2 will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at 989 Webster Street.
Situated in the heart of Oakland’s Chinatown, Pacific Renaissance Plaza condominiums are surrounded by retail shops, a public library, banks, medical facilities, and thriving food markets and restaurants. Individuals qualify if their income is less than $62,500 annually. A family of four qualifies with a combined income of $89,300 or less. Completion of a homebuyer counseling course and a minimum of three percent down payment are required. EBALDC works proactively with homebuyers to secure mortgages and access any subsidy program they may qualify for. Units in Phase 2 are priced starting at $190,000, up to $350,000 for the largest condominiums.
The Grand Opening/Open House event will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 1pm to 5pm. The event will feature food and refreshments, a lion dance to celebrate the lunar new year, and a special appearance by the Prescott Clowns on the 3rd floor courtyard plaza. Attendees will also have a chance to win a $100 gift card for touring one of the model units!
The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation is a community development corporation that develops affordable housing and community facilities with integrated services focused on tenants and neighborhood residents, with and emphasis on Asian and Pacific Islander communities and the diverse low-income populations of the East Bay.
WHO: East Bay Local Development Corporation (EBALDC)
WHAT: Pacific Renaissance Phase II Grand Opening & Open House
DATE: Saturday, February 20, 2010
TIME: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: 989 Webster Street , Oakland, CA
Natalie, 8, needs a bone marrow donor to save her life
February 16, 2010
The text message from my good friend Grant Nakatani was chilling: “Leukemia is back. No calls pls.”
After a weekend of fretting over pending blood tests, the Nakatani family’s worst fears were confirmed by her doctors on Jan. 19, 2010. Eight-year-old Natalie’s cancer is back, and this time her doctors tell the family that she needs a bone marrow transplant to live.
I’ve know the Nakatani family since before Natalie was born. Grant, wife Tammy and I all graduated from Cal Berkeley, we go to church together, used to live next door to each other in Walnut Creek, and our 5-year-old boys are best friends. Natalie has acute myeloid leukemia, and, with no suitable donor match in her family or the registries, we’re in a high-stakes race to find her a match even as she goes forward with intense chemotherapy.
Like many of the Nakatani’s friends, I’ve had to quickly learn the ins and outs of bone marrow donation. I was surprised to learn that blood type is not an issue, and that after a marrow transplant, Natalie could end up with a new blood type herself. Natalie is Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese, and experts say a new Asian donor is most likely to save her life.
After an initial diagnosis in 2008 and five painful rounds of chemotherapy, Natalie’s cancer went into remission and she spent the summer of fall of 2009 regaining her youthful vigor. When her family took her for a routine checkup last month, her doctors were concerned. Her platelet counts were low. As they waited for the more tests, Grant worried. “Natalie looks great and she’s happy,” he updated friends. “We’re at her book fair. Trying to stay positive.”
A week later, Natalie was back in the hospital, with no visits from her 5-year-old brother for the duration of the flu season.
Now we’re asking someone who today may be a perfect stranger to the Nakatani family to donate bone marrow stem cells, and as someone who flinches during regular blood donations, I know it’s a significant thing to ask. But even as I got lightheaded reading about the donation process (not terribly difficult, according to those who’ve done it), I made a decision that it’s nothing in exchange for saving a life. I’m joining the national registry at the drive for Natalie in Pleasant Hill on Feb. 20. There are many opportunities to sign up as a donor, but very little time to find the right match for Natalie.
“Our little girl needs an Asian donor match urgently, so please do whatever you can to make it a priority to get tested at a bone marrow drive,” said Tammy Nakatani. “We hope that you will be the special miracle that will save her life.”
Major donor drives are planned for Natalie on Feb. 20 in Pleasant Hill and Feb. 22 at UC Berkeley. More information on drives around the U.S. can be found at hopefornatalie.com, and Natalie’s doctors are also checking international registries. I’m joining the Nakatani family to ask that you get tested – a simple cheek swab – as a possible match for Natalie. Please spread the word - in person, by e-mail, on Facebook, and however else you can – and ask others to do the same.
“There are so many wonderful things to say about Natalie,” said Tammy. “She is curious, joyful, artistic, a great big sister, intelligent, silly, loves life and loves to be around people. We love her so much that it hurts deeply to even be separated from her at the hospital.”
