While flipping through photos of his two children, Lupe Cervantes laughs with his girlfriend and a family friend, remembering good times.

"I've got two incredible kids and a girlfriend," Cervantes said.

The three of them are also worried about the times to come.

"I'm too young. I mean I'm 46 years old and I don't see myself giving up any time soon. It's tough at times, really tough," he said.

It is tough because Cervantes is battling lymphoma, a cancer of the bone marrow. After two rounds of chemotherapy it went into remission, but then returned. Now his doctors tell him his only chance is a bone marrow transplant.

"They gave me about a year. But I'm not looking at that. I know they'll find one," Cervantes said.

What he needs is a donor who is a perfect match to his bone marrow type. He's optimistic even though his chances are slim, especially since there are very few minority and Hispanic donors.

Currently only about 25 percent of the more than 7 million people who are on the match registry are of minority descent or of minority groups. An increase to that population is definitely needed.

It is easy to be a potential donor. All it takes is a simple, painless cheek swab at any Bonfils Donation Center. If you are a match for someone you will be asked to donate a small amount of bone marrow which your body will quickly replace. It is a small step that could save someone's life.

"Please donate. You know, even if it's not for me; even if it doesn't help me at this time, donate because it might save a friend, a child, someone in your life you know. I think that's a bigger cause you know," Cervantes said.

Family and friends are having a bone marrow donation drive on Friday, Nov. 13 to try and get more donors, especially minorities. The drive will be held at Positive Illusion Salon in Arvada. The salon is located on Olde Wadsworth Boulevard. For more information, call 303-456-7441.