Family of Fall River teen diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia looking for life-saving bone marrow donor, announces drive, fundraiser

Family members are pleading for help to save the life of a Fall River teen as a drive has been announced.

After Kerynn Morss’ son Broeden began experiencing unusual symptoms- weakness, body pain, and cognitive changes that were completely out of character- she brought him to the doctor and after lab tests it was determined last month that he had Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with expenses, Broeden “is a bright, kind-hearted 17-year-old high school senior whose energy and personality light up every room. He’s an older brother to two younger siblings and a kid who thrives on movement and adventure, riding dirt bikes, biking with friends, and snowboarding whenever he can.” Because he is usually so active, it makes the diagnosis even more heartbreaking.

Morss tells Fall River Reporter that her son attends Taunton High school currently doing online program at the hospital to graduate.

“We had a tragedy that misplaced us from our Taunton apartment, losing everything we owned and relocating us to Fall River for the past year and half.”

Broeden is currently in need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant, and at this time, there are no matching donors for him on the national registry. This is where you can help.

People can check to see if they are a match by going to https://www.nmdp.org/. They fill out the form with some simple information and if they are eligible, the company sends them a swab kit to do a cheek swab to be sent back to the company. They are then entered into the donor data base.

A local bone marrow donor drive has been announced to help him, and others like him, who are also waiting for donors. The drive will be held on February 12th from 4-8pm at Players Sports Bar & Grille 86 VFW Drive, Rockland. At the bone marrow registration drive, you’ll be welcomed and guided through a simple, painless process. First, you’ll be instructed to join the registration line, where you can complete your information either on your phone or using paper forms. Volunteers will be available to help if you have any questions (ages 18-55 for registration). Once registered, you’ll be directed to the swabbing line. The swab is quick and completely painless, just a simple cheek swab. After your swab is complete, your kit will be securely added to the DKMS registry, giving you the chance to help save a life. After registration, the family will warmly welcome you to visit the DKMS and family donation area. This space is available for learning more, offering support, and connecting with the cause. After registration is complete, you are welcome to food and drinks for purchase, tv entertainment, pool tables and dart boards, bar seating and table seating, and Keno

The family will also be having a fundraising event for Broeden on Saturday, Feb 28th – same location from 5-9pm.

For other ways to help Broeden and his family, click here.