‘Determined’ West Orange 2nd Grader Needs Bone Marrow Donor

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange community will come together for “smart, loving and determined” seven-year-old Veronica Depauli at a blood and marrow drive held in her support on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The drive will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the West Orange Elks #1590, 424 Main Street in West Orange, according to an event flyer. Donors should weigh at least 110 pounds, bring ID and eat before arrival.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page here.

According to organizers:

“Veronica Depauli is a smart, loving and determined seven-year-old who is the oldest of two children. She attends Gregory Elementrary School in West Orange and is a proud 2nd grader there. Her interests include art, outdoor activities, watching movies and singing.

“Veronica was first diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Osteopetrosis Type 2 in March of 2017 through genetic testing performed at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Osteopetrosis is a disease that causes bones to be abnormally dense and makes them more prone to fractures. Due to the abnormal growth of bones, it can cause things like stunted growth, vision/hearing loss, anemia, bone infection and can ultimately lead to bone marrow failure.

“Due to symptoms, Veronica has been exhibiting HLA typing. Finding a bone marrow donor in the national database was done by her hematologist in the Children’s Hospital, but unfortunately, she came back with zero potential matches in the national database. We are still desperately searching for a bone marrow donor that can potentially chance/save our daughter’s life and our lives as well.”

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