Jenna Wilson
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Time is critical for 24-year-old Lionso Canchola of St. Joseph, who urgently needs a bone marrow transplant after being diagnosed with aggressive forms of cancer.
“He’s a very positive and good kid. He’s been like that his entire life,” said Lionso’s mother, Sonja Canchola. “He’s already saying that once he gets into remission, he wants to help other people battling cancer.”
According to his family, Lionso had been healthy his entire life, actively involved in sports and with a deep passion for music. He frequently performed at Felix Street Square in St. Joseph until one night when he developed a fever.
It was soon discovered by medical staff that he had B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, PH-like, which affects both the bone and blood.
According to Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia, the prevalence of this leukemia subtype is approximately 12% in children, 21% in adolescents (ages 16–20), and 20–24% in adults over age 40, with a peak of 27% in young adults aged 21–39.
“With that diagnosis, they stated that a bone marrow transplant is a must because his survival rate is significantly higher with one,” Sonja said.
Despite the toll cancer is taking on his body, Lionso remains in good spirits. He even recorded a video from the hospital thanking the community for their support and inviting people to visit if they’d like.
“My neighbor started a GoFundMe for him and then we had family come together to organize a fundraiser that’s being held on June 21,” Sonja added. “The community has just stepped in to show support in so many ways and that’s why we love the community of St. Joseph.”
For this form of cancer, medical experts suggest that a sibling is typically the best initial source for a matching donor. However, if that fails, a match may still be found among unrelated donors from afar.
Research also shows that cells from younger donors give patients the best chance at long-term survival.
“Oftentimes, it’s said that siblings or first cousins are the best matches,” said Bonnie Canchola, a member of the Canchola family. “But many, many times, an absolute stranger from across the country could be the one to save a life.”
Sonja said, like many parents, she never expected something like this to happen to her child until it did. She hopes people will continue to show their support so that Lionso can find a match.
“I’ve often associated cancer with older people who’ve lived a full life and my son hasn’t,” she said. “It would mean the world to me to know someone out there is willing to save his life.”
A benefit cornhole tournament for Lionso will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 2004 N. Belt Highway in St. Joseph. There will be both backyard and competitive divisions, along with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
Community members are also encouraged to register to see if they’re a potential donor match. Registration is free and can be done at my.nmdp.org.
For more information about the fundraiser or donor registration, contact Bonnie Canchola at 816-596-0117.
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