The CGD Café

But recurring illnesses related to an immune system disorder have kept the 6-year-old out of Holland Heights Elementary and away from friends in Cub Scout Pack 3055 almost continuously since fall.

His mother, Monica Adams, said Zak has a rare inherited blood disorder called chronic granulomatous disease, which means his immune system has difficulty forming compounds to fight off infections.

Zachary's only hope to make him healthy is a bone marrow transplant that could help generate an immune system for him.

To achieve that, his doctors have to find a donor who matches Zachary's blood and tissue type and arrange a transplant of stem cells created from the donor's blood or a direct bone-marrow transplant.

"Doctors say he has the most severe case of chronic granulomatous in all of Michigan, and it would be a dream come true if a donor could be found to help him," Adams said.

Anyone interested in possibly becoming a bone marrow donor can participate in screening being sponsored Saturday by Michigan Community Blood Center at Saturn dealerships in Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo.

Barbara Hile, director of the center's marrow and stem cell program, said the results from the screening Saturday will go into a national database, from which people like Zachary can find bone marrow matches.

"Unfortunately, our organization does not have the funding to test every potential donor, so we are asking those who want to help to also contribute $25 towards the testing," said Hile.

She said the program also is seeking donations from businesses and individuals to help defray costs for people who want to be tested but can't afford to pay $25.

You can help

Michigan Community Blood Center is sponsoring screenings to find potential bone marrow donors to help Zachary Pietrzykowski, who has chronic granulomatous disease, and others.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Saturn of Grand Rapids, 2720 28th St. SE; Saturn of Holland, 1890 S. 112th Ave.; and Saturn of Kalamazoo, 5281 S. Ninth St.

Cost: $25 mail check to: Michigan Blood Center, attention: Ellie Andrus, 1036 Fuller Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49501 in the MEMO section on the check, be sure to put Zachary's name. 100% tax deductible.