Help Marsha & Others Find a Lifesaving Stem Cell Donor
Marsha Aizumi, a beloved community leader, advocate, and founder of Okaeri, is seeking a life-saving stem cell donor
Earlier this year, Marsha was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a form of pre-leukemia that requires a stem cell transplant. A matching donor could save her life—but like many patients of Asian descent, finding a match is especially difficult due to underrepresentation in the national registry.
Marsha has dedicated her life to creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, particularly in the Asian American & Nikkei community. Now, she needs our help. Support Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) and Okaeri in registering stem cell donors to find a match for Marsha!
YOU CAN HELP!
By joining the NMDP registry to be a potential donor, you could be a life-saving match for Marsha—or someone else! All it takes is a simple cheek swab.
To register, you must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 40
- A resident of the U.S., its territories, or freely associated states
- Able to meet NMDP’s health guidelines
- Not already registered through another U.S. organization
Attend an in-person registry event with LTSC and Okaeri:
June 21, 2025: 9AM–1PM | Ripple Effect: Walk for Suicide Prevention
June 28, 2025: 10AM–7PM | Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute Matsuri
July 19-20, 2025: 2PM–8PM | Orange County Buddhist Church Obon Festival
August 2-3, 2025: 3PM–9PM | Gardena Buddhist Church Obon Festival
June 6-8, 2025: 4PM-11PM | Orange County Fairgrounds
July 11-13, 2025: 4PM-11PM | Santa Anita Park
