Father Makes Heartbreaking Plea as Search for 15-Year-Old Son's Life-Saving Donor Becomes Race Against the Clock

Juan Uribe reached 11.7 million people within 24 hours of posting his plea for help on TikTok

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Juan Uribe made a desperate plea on TikTok after losing the only two possible stem cell donor matches for his 15-year-old son Max, who has a rare blood disorder. Within 24 hours, Uribe's video reached 11.7 million people, and over 20 million views later, more than 12,000 people have signed up to become registered blood stem cell donors to potentially save Max's life. Doctors say Max urgently needs a stem cell transplant, as without treatment in the next few months, he faces a high risk of developing life-threatening blood cancers.

Why it matters

Finding a matching blood stem cell donor is extremely difficult, especially for patients of Latino or mixed ethnic heritage like Max, who are significantly underrepresented in worldwide donor registries. Uribe's viral plea has helped raise awareness and drive a surge of new potential donors, which could save not only his son's life but the lives of many others in need of transplants.

The details

Doctors first noticed irregularities in Max's blood work when he was in elementary school, but it wasn't until December 2024 that they recommended a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed concerning "three pink flags." In the fall of 2025, doctors found that Max's condition was progressing, and he urgently needs a blood stem cell transplant to have a 95% chance of 5-year survival. When doctors searched the global donor registry, they could only find two potential perfect matches, but both donors were unavailable. Desperate to find a donor, Uribe turned to TikTok, where his plea went viral, leading over 12,000 people to sign up as potential donors.

  • In December 2024, doctors noticed alarming blood markers in Max and recommended a bone marrow biopsy.
  • In August 2025, the bone marrow biopsy revealed concerning "three pink flags" that doctors began monitoring.
  • In the fall of 2025, doctors found that Max's condition was progressing, and he urgently needs a stem cell transplant.
  • On February 10, 2026, Uribe posted his viral TikTok plea for help finding a donor.
  • Within 24 hours, Uribe's video had reached 11.7 million people.

The players

Juan Uribe

The father of 15-year-old Max Uribe, who has a rare blood disorder and urgently needs a blood stem cell transplant.

Max Uribe

A 15-year-old boy with a rare blood disorder who needs a life-saving blood stem cell transplant.

Boston Children's Hospital

One of the hospitals where the Uribe family has consulted with doctors about Max's condition.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Another hospital where the Uribe family has consulted with doctors about Max's condition.

National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)

The world's largest and most diverse bone marrow registry, which is working to help the Uribe family find a matching donor for Max.

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What they’re saying

“Hi, my name is Juan and I'm posting this because I need your help to save my son.”

— Juan Uribe (TikTok)

“You need to add a stem cell transplant doctor to Max's care team.”

— Max's doctor (Conversation with the Uribe family)

“This outpouring of support. It has given me hope that we can find this perfect match for my son and the timeframe we need.”

— Juan Uribe (PEOPLE)

“The mission I'm on is, can we get a million additional donors added to the registry by April 1? That is the mission that I have.”

— Juan Uribe (PEOPLE)

“It's very simple to be added to that registry, and you have the power to save somebody's life potentially today, tomorrow, one, five years from now.”

— Jamie Margolis, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Member, Donor, Product Operations at NMDP (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The judge in Max's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to receive experimental treatment that could help stabilize his condition while the search for a donor continues.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking story highlights the critical need for more diverse blood stem cell donors, especially within the Latino and Hispanic communities. By responding to Juan Uribe's viral plea, thousands of people have already signed up to potentially save Max's life and the lives of others in need of transplants. This outpouring of support shows the power of social media to drive real change and save lives.