Bone Marrow Drive to Benefit Local Dad Battling Cancer

Darren Lederman of Westfield has been battling AML, acute myeloid leukemia, since January. His family and friends are hosting another bone marrow drive in his honor on Sunday, May 17 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Terrill Road Bible Chapel (535 Terrill Road) in Fanwood.

Lederman, a devoted husband and father of two, is in need of a bone marrow transplant, but finding a match has proven to be difficult, as his mother, father, and only brother are deceased.

“We are still in search of a donor — not just for Darren but for others afflicted with this medical condition,” said Tara Bozetarnic, a Scotch Plains resident who is helping the family.

If you cannot attend the drive, you can still find out if you’re a match by requesting a kit online:

• Click “register as a donor”.
• Choose Lederman’s name from the drop-down list.
• A kit with a pre-paid return envelope will be sent to your house. The test, which involves swabbing the inside of the cheek, takes just 30 seconds.

“We are grateful for all the people who have organized fundraisers, shared our story, were swabbed, donated or brought smiles to our children’s faces,” said his wife, Stacey Lederman. “We have an amazing support system that continues to grow every day. We are and will be forever touched by the world’s generosity, kindness care and support.”

Donations are being collected to help the Lederman family during this difficult time. Community members who wish to donate can visit the fundraising page or you can follow the family’s story through their Facebook group, Lederman Strong.