Ray of Hope Leukemia Benefit

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Ray of Hope Benefit

When a Redondo Beach firefighter's brother was diagnosed with Leukemia last December, friends, family and firefighters rallied together to help him in his time of need. They quickly found Ray Sisante a marrow donor match for a stem cell treatment, and put together a benefit, "Ray of Hope", to help raise money and awareness for Ray and other Leukemia patients' treatments.

Hundreds of friends, family members and firefighters gathered at the Avalon Night Club in Hollywood, California, for the "Ray of Hope" fundraiser, which included dancing, refreshments, a National Marrow Donor Program sign-up opportunity, and a firefighter auction. Redondo Beach Firefighter and Ray's brother, Jeremy Sisante, says of organizing the event, "Christmas Eve of last year, my little brother was diagnosed with Leukemia, and all I wanted to do tonight was I wanted to help him out because he was about to finish school.  He was about to do his thing and become a music producer, and now that he has Leukemia there is a little kink in that plan."

Firefighter Auction

Fellow firefighters from the Fire Academy that Jeremy Sisante attended participated in the auction, where women could bid on a date with them.  The proceeds went to assist with Ray's treatment and the treatment of other Leukemia patients.

Thankful for the support of the firefighters, Ray says, "I just met all of them tonight, and I already feel like a part of the family.  They are such a tight-knit group of guys.  They just make you feel so welcome, and I'm grateful for them being here, putting on an auction..."

National Marrow Donor Program

Fortunately Ray Sisante was able to find a bone marrow match within his family.  His brother, Patrick Sisante, will donate through a five hour blood draw stem cell procedure.    Even though Ray has a match for his treatment, the Sisante family felt it was important to include a National Marrow Donor Program registration opportunity in the "Ray of Hope" event to help promote awareness for the need for donors.

Minorities are especially underrepresented in the registry, and Philippinos, Ray's heritage, make up only .6% of the registry.  According to Glenn San Agustin of the Be the Match Marrow Registry, had Ray not had a family match, he would have had a very difficult time finding a donor.

The "Ray of Hope" benefit also included a dance performance by Ray's dance group, who wore "Ray of Hope" t-shirts in support of him.  Dancing is Ray's second passion, and although he has had to temporarily quit performing, he is confident about returning once he has finished his treatments.

Donation Information

To make a donation to help Ray Sisante and other Leukemia patients with their treatments, visit www.RayofHopeBenefit.org or www.TerryFarrellFundCA.org.