Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo is recovering from a bone marrow transplant, a procedure part of his treatment for myelofibrosis, a cancer that forms scars in the bone marrow. The transplant was performed on June 8 and his family reported it was 'successful'. After a two-month search for a compatible donor, his daughter Julybeth Alicea was found to be 50% compatible and became the donor.
The mayor is currently recovering in a hospital in the metropolitan area and is following all medical instructions. His family is calling on the public to donate platelets, which the mayor will need for multiple transfusions to recover. Donations can be made at the Banco de Sangre de Servicios Mutuos in Guaynabo, Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Donors should indicate that the donation is for patient Julio Alicea Vasallo. The mayor's family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received during this process.