Each year the Heritage Day board selects a Focus patient or an individual who exemplifies the overall mission statement as the Grand Marshal.

January 27, 2006 (San Diego, CA) --- Kayla Smith was named the 2006 Heritage Day Festival & Parade  Grand Marshal. Kayla, a 5-year old African-American girl, is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). She is currently searching the National Marrow Donor Program® for an unrelated marrow or stem cell donor, because no one in her family has been identified as a viable match.

The San Diego Blood Bank Stem Cell Donor Center and the Emilio Nares Foundation have teamed up to sponsor a bone marrow drive immediately after the parade for little Kayla.

Raven-Symoné, star of the Emmy nominated Disney Channel show That’s So Raven, is also eager to assist with the bone marrow endeavors.

Through this annual event, with the support of the San Diego community, families such as Kayla's are prayerful that donors can be identified.

2006 SPONSORS:

• RAVEN "That So Raven": Disney Channel
• San Diego Blood Bank Stem Cell Donor Center
• Emilio Nares Foundation