Michael Miyamoto, who graduated from Walnut High School in June, is once again battling leukemia.
The Sabers/Saberettes Youth Baskeball group that Miyamoto played on is appealing to the community for platelet donors. Patch did a story on the teen a couple of years ago in connection to Relay for Life.
The Sabers/Sabarettes have put out the following message:
The Sabers/Saberettes Youth Basketball Organization requests the community’s support to donate blood platelets to 18-year-old recent Sabers graduate Michael Miyamoto, who has been battling leukemia for over ten years.
A recent graduate from Walnut High School, Michael played with the Sabers Wizards since the first grade. After being diagnosed with leukemia at age seven, Michael has gone through three unsuccessful chemotherapy treatments. Last year, after the community’s diligent support to find a bone marrow donor, Michael received a bone marrow transplant. Nearly one year later, tests revealed the transplant was unsuccessful and he now has 95% leukemia in his marrow.
Michael is currently undergoing extensive treatment at City of Hope to slow the spread of the leukemia; including daily blood and platelet transfusions. His next option is to undergo an experimental trial. As he prepares for this procedure, Michael is in need of platelet donors.
Interested donors can contact City of Hope in Duarte to schedule an appointment to donate blood platelets. This non-invasive procedure takes less than two hours. Appointments can be made online at www.idonateblood4hope.org or by calling (626) 471-7171. When scheduling an appointment, please be sure to direct your donation to Michael Miyamoto.
In spite of his treacherous ordeal, Michael maintains a positive outlook and continues to be an inspiration to the community. The Miyamoto family and the Sabers/Saberettes Youth Basketball Organization sincerely appreciate the love and continuous support from the community.
Michael Miyamoto was part of the 1994 Sabers Wizards team since the first grade, when the team was formed. Michael is the recipient of one of the 2012 Sabers Scholarships.
