A bone marrow need that strikes close to the heart of the staff at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Granada Hills has prompted the scheduling of a screening drive from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, October 21.

Doctors hope to find a match for seven month-old Shayan, the grandson of Holy Cross security officer Fernando Gordero. Shayan was diagnosed with leukemia at three weeks of age and has since undergone several rounds of chemotherapy. A bone marrow transplant is the next step.

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“As members of the health care profession, we frequently experience the heart-tugging stories of children facing life-threatening challenges,” wrote Providence spokeswoman Brigette Loden. “However is it not easy to receive such news when it affects someone close to us.”

Loden said that Shayan is the first-born in his family and has no siblings to be tested as a match. He is of both Hispanic and Asian descent, making it a challenge to find a match.

Potential donors are invited to come to the marrow drive in the third floor conference room at Holy Cross Hospital on Thursday.

For information on helping Shayan and children like him, visit www.a3mhope.org.