G Lounge | New York City's Hottest Gay Bar and Nightspot

Give from your heart

The Veteran

interview: Derrick Reaves

Please join the G Lounge family in our effort to raise money in support of our dear friend, bartender and general manager, Marcello Diaz, who is battling Leukemia. The embodiment of charisma, fierce wit, and a friend to all, Marcello is not just a bartender, he is truly an icon of New York City nightlife. A G Lounge veteran since the day the doors opened in 1997, his talent, good looks, and charm made him the face and body of Chelsea; the bartender superstar. Last fall, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and is battling this disease with unbelievable courage and determination. We are raising money to help our hero and his family in any way we can to assist him in beating this physically, emotionally, and financially devastating disease. Any contribution will help him receive the finest in medical care so he comes back to us happy, healthy, and stronger than ever.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow – the soft tissue inside bones. As the marrow starts working abnormally, it creates leukemia cells which grow faster than normal cells and continue to grow when they shouldn't. Eventually, these cancerous cells can spread to lymph nodes and vital organs. They can also impact normal blood cells and cause anemia, infections and bleeding.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) affects lymphoid cells and grows quickly. It accounts for more than 5,000 new cases of leukemia each year and is the most common type of leukemia in young children but also affects adults. People with acute leukemia need to be treated right away with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The goal of treatment is to destroy signs of leukemia in the body. Many people with acute leukemia can be cured.

Marcello has already completed several cycles of chemotherapy and is preparing for radiation therapy. His best option for recovery requires a bone marrow transplant. Matches are difficult to find. His doctors are currently reviewing three potential matches. If you'd like to be screened, please visit marrowdonors.com....