Coastsiders rally around local family

Omar Contreras looks like any other coastal kid.  With an irrepressible smile and warm handshake, Omar proudly shows me his collection of soccer trophies, scholastic medals and his award for the 8th grade science fair at Cunha middle school. Lupe, Omar’s mom, beams at her son as she explains that he’s always been interested in science. "He’s wanted to be a doctor ever since he was 6 years old!."

Just under a year ago, 14-year-old Omar Contreras, honor-roll student and avid soccer player from Moss Beach, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia.  Omar’s family had no way of knowing how emotionally and financially difficult the next year would be.

Friends of the family are capping off a summer of fundraising events with a wine tasting and auction next Saturday, September 24th at 6pm at the Courtyard Gallery in Half Moon Bay.

Aplastic anemia, a rare life-threatening bone marrow disorder, affects fewer than 1,000 people each year in the United States.  Simply put, Omar’s bone marrow has stopped producing enough new blood cells, leaving him at high risk of infection, severe uncontrolled bleeding, and immune system conflicts. For a young athlete with such promising abilities and big dreams, the future looked suddenly dim.

It didn’t take long for the Contreras’ story to reach neighbors and friends who immediately came together in support, both emotional and financial.  Over the summer, the "Friends of Omar" have been a catalyst to the community—organizing pizza nights, a neighborhood garage sale, and, with the help of Albertson’s employee Mary Terre, selling hot dogs and root beer floats outside the store. Family friends Mey Wong-Norris and Shannon Gibbs have organized the events with the help of community volunteers, many who do not even know the family.

Next up for the Friends of Omar is a wine tasting and silent auction to generate the necessary funds for medical treatment. Now halfway to their financial goal of $20,000, the Wine Tasting has moved to "main event" status.

"The outpouring of community support has been incredible," said event organizer Mey Wong, "donations of local products, dinners and events have already exceeded $6000 in value." Bart & Mary Colucci of The Courtyard Gallery (643 Main Street Half Moon Bay (650) 712-1114) donated their space, and The Rogue Chefs ( www.roguechefs.com) are donating the catering. Local realtors responded generously as well. Jerome and Carole Brolan ( www.phonejerome.com and www.divinedesigns4u.com ) are donating $5000 of commissions if an individual will list and sell their home with Jerome,and Carole will donate $3000 of free home staging to sweeten the deal. Farris Hix ( www.farrishix.com) is donating a discount on the sale or purchase of a home as an auction item.

Despite the trials of the past year, Omar remains typically optimistic.  "I’ve learned a lot about disease this year and now I want to study to be a hematologist, so I can help others."  Omar and his family have big dreams, and the friends of Omar are dedicated to making them a reality.  How can you help?

• Attend the wine tasting and auction next Saturday, September 24th at the Courtyard Gallery in Half Moon Bay from 6 ? 9 pm.  Tickets are $35/each and can be purchased via email to [email protected].
• Donate directly.  Email [email protected], contact the gallery, or send donations directly to the HMB Wells Fargo Bank with checks made out to Friends of Omar.
• Take advantage of one of the special offers of local merchants, who are donating proceeds to this important cause.

You can read more about the Aplastic Anemia at http://www.aamds.org