12-year-old boy kicks off national bone marrow drive

DORAL, Fla. (WSVN) -- The South Florida boy who is fighting for his life plans to embark on a 30-day journey to promote his National campaign looking for bone marrow donors.

Patrick Pedraja, 12, has dreamed of people turning out in droves to join the National Bone Marrow Registry List. Now it is a reality thanks to his drive and determination. "I wanted to do something to help everybody," said Patrick. "This is a problem in the city and the country."

Patrick, who has leukemia, is determined to win his battle against the disease and help others with it. For months he has been selling advertising space on his forehead to raise money to pay for adding the names to the registry, which costs more than $50 per person. "According to the bone registry there's not enough minorities on the national registry," said William Pedraja, Patrick's father. "Pat's idea to get people to register is important because they're not well represented."

In order to conquer their obstacle, Patrick and his family are embarking on a 30-city national tour they are calling "Driving for Donors" to promote awareness and enlist potential bone marrow donors. Patrick's goal is to get at least 2,007 more names this year. Patrick's mom said making that dream come true is a full-time job and a labor of love. "It's a nice full-time job because we know we're getting something out of it," she said.

On Monday, the Miami-Dade Police Department awarded Patrick with the Silver Medal of Valor, the highest award for a civilian, during his first South Florida campaign yesterday. "Patrick is not taking a victim's-like approach. He is taking a hero's approach," said Robert Parker, director of the MDPD.

There will be one more donor drive in South Florida, which will be held today between the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sales center for Infinity Two Lofts, located at 1300 South Miami Avenue.

"I want all the people here to join the marrow registry because you could be the one to save the life of a kid like me," said Patrick.

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