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The Perfect Match documentary screened at MacEwan University, highlighting the urgent need for stem-cell donors and the shortage of diverse donors for Black Canadians.
The Perfect Match, a documentary about the urgent need for stem-cell donor s, was screened on Thursday at MacEwan University's Triffo Theatre in Edmonton. The film tells the story of Ezra Marfo, a two-year-old boy who died from acute myeloid leukemia after battling the disease for more than a year. Director Sandro Silva made the documentary after learning he could not donate stem cells because he was older than 35. The screening was presented by Canadian Blood Services and the Ezra Marfo Cancer Foundation.
Origins of the Perfect Match Film
Sandro Silva was contacted four years ago about potentially donating stem cells to help Ezra Marfo. At the time, Ezra was two years old and had been fighting acute myeloid leukemia for over a year. Silva was unable to donate because he was older than the age limit of 35. A few weeks later, he received a letter informing him that Ezra had died, along with a phone number for the boy's father, Jacob. Silva contacted the father and suggested they put the word out about the need for donors.
That effort grew into The Perfect Match, which premiered earlier this year at Edmonton's Metro Cinema during the Northwest Film Fest. The hour-long documentary features families and stem-cell transplant survivors whose experiences highlight the need for more diverse stem-cell donors, particularly within Black communities. Silva said he was motivated to make the film by an Edmonton father's quest to find a stem-cell donor for his son.
The documentary will be available to stream on Telus Optik early next year, according to Silva.
Urgent Need for Diverse Stem-Cell Donors
Just two per cent of registered stem-cell donors come from African, Caribbean and Black communities, according to Canadian Blood Services. This shortage makes it difficult for Black patients to find matching donors. Jasmine Vallarta, business development manager with Canadian Blood Services, explained the challenge. She said that sometimes it is a hard match to find because people want to try to find a match within their family, but only 25 per cent are usually a match. She added that it is about going out to the greater community, and it highlights that we need that diversity.
One screening organizer said they hope the film's message moves people to sign up, noting that a larger donor registry is needed for Black Canadians. The documentary aims to inspire more people to register as stem-cell donors and give. The screening at MacEwan University was part of an effort to raise awareness about the issue.
Background on Stem-Cell Donation and Ezra Marfo
Ezra Marfo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. He battled the disease for more than a year before his death. His father, Jacob, sought a stem-cell donor to save his son's life. Stem-cell transplants can be a cure for leukemia and other blood disorders, but they require a matching donor. The likelihood of finding a match is highest within a person's own family, but only about 25 per cent of siblings are a match.
For patients without a family match, the search extends to the broader donor registry. However, the registry lacks diversity, which disproportionately affects Black patients and other minority groups. The Perfect Match documentary sheds light on this disparity by sharing personal stories of families and survivors. The film was made to honor Ezra's memory and to encourage more people, especially from diverse backgrounds, to become donors.
The screening event was organized by Canadian Blood Services and the Ezra Marfo Cancer Foundation. It aimed to educate the public about the need for stem-cell donors and to motivate action. The documentary will be available to stream on Telus Optik early next year. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Brandon Lynch.
The Perfect Match Stem-Cell Donor Edmonton Ezra Marfo Canadian Blood Services Sandro Silva Macewan University
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