NCCU student heads to D.C. to plead for financial support for Be the Match
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A bone marrow transplant changed a Triangle college student's life.
Sheldon Mba is headed to the nation's capital to make sure federal funding needed to keep the "Be the Match" program alive doesn't run out.
Mba knows the fight -- he's battling a life-threatening blood disorder and needs a bone marrow transplant.
The North Carolina Central University junior says to go to Washington is a real honor. He wants members of Congress to understand what he's been through, the struggle he faces every day and how the program gives him hope.
"In the back of my head, I'm like I could die and imagine waking up to that every day," Mba said.
Mba has a rare blood disorder. His body basically doesn't produce enough cells to survive. He's had dozens of treatments at hospitals, but a bone marrow transplant is his only cure.
"I'm facing a life-threatening illness right now, but by the grace of God and everything I'm still here," he said.
He doesn't have a match in his family, so like thousands of other people, he is looking to "Be the Match" donor registry to help save his life.
Federal funding for the nonprofit though is in jeopardy. The 20-year-old is hoping his desperate plea will push Congress to continue providing financial support.
"I really don't even think it should be a question," Mba said. "It's doing so much good for the people, especially cancer patients."
There would be a $3 million cut to the "Be the Match" program under sequestration according to the nonprofit. That could mean as many as 20,000 volunteers and a thousand blood units may not be added to the national registry.
"I just really hope that they see the level of urgency and importance with everything," Mba said.
The 20-year-old is now preparing the speech he hopes will sway members of Congress and save his life.
"I'm not going there for me. I'm going there for the people who are in dire need of the 'Be the Match' program to keep going," he said.
Mba will head up to Washington in about two weeks and will join other bone marrow advocates in making a plea.
