Maxine is just 13 years old and urgently needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life. This transplant has the potential to cure the rare condition she is battling, Severe Aplastic Anemia.

But for the transplant to work, Maxine must find a matching donor, and matches are based on a tissue type called HLA, Human Leukocyte Antigens. These are inherited from our parents and ancestors, so the best chance of a match is with someone of similar ancestry.

Maxine is of Korean-European (French and Belgian) ancestry, so her match is more likely to be someone who has Korean-European heritage. Everyone 18 to 35 and in general good health is invited to join the registry in the hopes of matching her or another patient in need of a lifesaving transplant.

Maxine was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her mother is Korean and her father is French. They currently live in Normandy, France. Maxine is filled with enthusiasm for life and shares her joy openly with everyone, both two- and four-legged. She loves all animals, especially her Golden Retriever Newton, named for Sir Isaac Newton because of all the apple trees found in Normandy.

Maxine was a gymnast from 6 to 11 years old, and now plays the piano and guitar. She is athletic and loves to surf, dance, and participate in decathlon events. In addition, she enjoys learning practical skills and is a member of the Young Firefighters in France.

Even though Maxine is living in France, if you join Gift of Life, your HLA profile will be shared anonymously with the worldwide marrow registry, and if you match her, her doctors will be notified.

“Please, we need half Korean/half European volunteers,” said Maxine’s mother, Hye-Young. “Furthermore, we need to grow the international bone marrow donor registry to represent the diversity of the entire world.”

Details about joining the registry:

• Join the registry! Click on the blue "Join Registry" button. 
  • Donors in general good health between 18 and 35 years old may join the registry. Donors over the age of 35 can also join, but we ask that you to please donate $60 to offset the lab fees – Click here to learn why.  
  • Eighty percent of donors requested by transplant centers are 18 to 35 years old for medical reasons – Click here to learn why Age Matters.
  • Donors can remain in the registry until their 61st birthday – Click here to learn why the registry has an Age Limit.
  • Certain medical conditions may mean you are not able to join the registry or donate – <Click here to check the Conditions List. If you're not sure, a health history questionnaire is part of the registration process.
• Sponsor a swab kit. Click on the orange "Give to My Circle" button. Lab processing of every kit costs $60. Your contribution will help add new donors to the registry, who may be a match for Maxine or another patient. 
• Spread the word. Use the social media links to the right to share Maxine's story in your Facebook and Twitter account. The more people who order a swab kit and join the registry, the faster Maxine will find a donor.