Aliquippa H.S. Football Player Needs Bone Marrow Transplant To Survive

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Two years ago he was one of Pittsburgh's most promising high school athletes, now an Aliquippa teen is in a fight for his life.

DiMantae Bronaugh rushed for 1,200 yards and led his Aliquippa football team to the WPIAL Class AA title, but last year the teen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

KDKA first brought you DiMantae's story last September when he was able to put on a hospital mask, and join his team along the sidelines.

A blood drive was held last October to help DiMantae.

"I didn't think I was going to get this kind of support," said DiMantae when he arrived at the event in his name at the Beaver United Methodist Church.

Classmates held a blood drive for DiMantae last December.

"DiMantae, the man, we love him to pieces," said teammate Darnell Gardner. "He works hard when we lift together. You know, that's just my friend. That's one of my friends. That's one of my brothers."

After being in remission, his leukemia returned this past August, denying him the chance to return to the field with his teammates.

DiMantae's doctors at UPMC Children's Hospital say his only hope to survive is a bone marrow transplant from someone who shares his ancestry.

Only 7 percent of bone marrow registry members are black which is making it even more difficult to find a match.

Bronaugh was told by doctors they had found two tentative matches, but were devastated when the potential matches withdrew, no longer wanting to be marrow donors.

The Central Blood Bank is urging all Pittsburgh residents of black ancestry to visit a donor center where a simple swab could help save DiMantae's life.

For more information on where you can donate, click here, or call the Central Blood Bank at 412-209-7000.