Keep Going, Patrick!

Last year I interviewed Patrick Pedraja, an amazing young person, for a "Spotlight" column for Listen magazine. Now, Patrick is being recognized by the "Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame" for his efforts to increase awareness about the need for bone marrow donors – especially within minority communities. In the summer of 2007, he started a national marrow donor drive called DRIVING FOR DONORS. In a novel approach to raising money to fund tissue typing which was needed to add people to the registry, Pat sold ad space on his bald head and raised more than $150,000. To enlist new donors he visited 32 cities and added 6500 new donors in just 3 months. Pat was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 10 and is currently undergoing 3.5 years of chemotherapy.

To vote for Pat for the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, visit http://www.energizerkeepgoinghalloffame.com/KeepGoing/Finalists/finalist8.aspx. It only takes ten seconds and one click to support this incredible, brave and inspiring young man. We're proud of you, Patrick!