Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
In a heartwarming story of hope and resilience, a New Orleans mother is stepping up to save her son’s life by becoming a bone marrow donor. Hezekiah "Hezzy" Martinez, only two years old, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that has thrust his family into a tumultuous battle against time. Since his diagnosis this past summer, Hezekiah has endured numerous hospital visits and painful treatments at Children’s Hospital. Despite the grueling rounds of chemotherapy, his mother, Lidia Martinez, notes that her son continues to approach life with a radiant smile and a desire to play. “He looks like he isn't battling the worst cancer ever,” she remarked. “To me, he is the light of God.” As the family faced the daunting reality that Hezekiah needed a bone marrow transplant, they encountered a frustrating obstacle—there were no matches available for him in the national donor database. However, the situation took a hopeful turn when Lidia decided to undergo testing herself. The results left her elated; she was a match for her son. “(The doctor) was like, 'You are a donor.' That was the biggest news,” she recalled, reflecting on the relief that washed over her in a moment of despair. On February 4, Lidia will travel to a specialized facility in Kansas City to donate her bone marrow, which will then be transported back to New Orleans for Hezekiah’s transplant. “I’m giving my son a second chance in life. I’m doing everything I can,” she expressed, her determination resonating through her words. She feels blessed to be able to help her son in such a significant way. The odds of a parent being a compatible bone marrow match for their child can be slim, as explained by health educator Eric Griggs, M.D. “The likelihood that your actual parent will be a match is small,” he said, highlighting the complicated genetic factors at play. Despite the challenges, Griggs remains optimistic about the potential success of the transplant, emphasizing that modern medical advancements have greatly improved outcomes for patients undergoing this procedure. As Hezekiah prepares for this critical next step in his treatment, Lidia is hopeful. With his leukemia levels showing signs of decline—from 0.6 to a miraculous 0.01—she believes that if the transplant is successful, her son could soon be free from cancer. “It’s all in God’s hands,” she stated, embodying the strength and faith that have been her guiding light throughout this arduous journey. In addition to the bone marrow transplant, the Martinez family has been actively involved in the blood donation community, with support from the Blood Center since last summer. As Hezekiah gears up for his recovery, his family encourages others to contribute to this life-saving cause, highlighting the critical need for blood donations in the fight against cancer. As the Martinez family faces the challenges ahead, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible bond between a parent and child, and the lengths a mother will go to ensure her child has a fighting chance. The journey may be long and fraught with uncertainty, but with love, faith, and community support, the future holds the promise of hope.
