San Jose First Grader with Acute Leukemia Needs Help

Earlier this week, I gave a presentation to the Campbell Chamber of Commerce and talked about the importance of a community. I told the audience that I believe in community. And I do.

I rarely write about my personal life here but I'm writing today because I felt overwhelmed with emotion over the response from my son's school community to the news that one of their own was in the hospital, in need of help.

River Glen School first grader, Eduardo Grijalva has acute Leukemia. He is in the hospital, undergoing chemotherapy but unless he receives a bone marrow transplant, well, he will not survive.

In his short six years of life, this is the second time this 6-year-old has had to fight for his life. At the age of 3, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and beat it. Earlier this year, his mother found out he had a very aggressive form of leukemia. This is when the school became aware of Eduardo's situation.

Without skipping a beat, his teacher, Laura Gonzalez jumped into action. She coordinated a schedule for parents to volunteer to bring the family meals. There are regular carpools every day for Eduardo's classmates to go visit him.

The first grade class is collecting recyclables every week to raise funds for Eduardo's treatments. The kids have written letters to Eduardo and have brought gifts, toys, games and more to give to Eduardo to keep him in good spirits while he's in the hospital.

On the days he's feeling better, Gonzalez Skypes with him so that he can see his classmates and follow along during reading time or that day's lesson.

One of his classmates, my son's best friend shaved his head in solidarity. So did the school's janitor.

NBC Bay Area aired this segment on March 20.

And some information on bone marrow donation and where you can register.

If you are interested in helping Eduardo and his family in some way, here are a few things you can do/attend to help out.

River Glen School, 1088 Broadway Ave., San Jose is holding a flea market fundraiser for Eduardo on Saturday, March 23  from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All money raised will help Eduardo and his family.

On March 29, the school is hosting a Bone Marrow Donor Drive from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. The test will involve only a cheek swab test. No needles.

Donate to Eduardo Grijalva's Wells Fargo Account at any Wells Fargo location, account number: 6832984972.

Help spread the word. Share this story. You never know who may be reading, and might turn out to be a bone marrow match for Eduardo.