Read more: Local, Health, Community, Carlos Garcia, Bone Marrow, Organ Donor, Customs and Border Protection, Customs, Cbp, Los Indios, Cameron County, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Carlos Garcia became a customs officer to help fight the bad guys but it wasn’t until two months ago that he faced one of his toughest challenges yet.
“He was going to die I was he's last hope to save him I guess,” explains Garcia.
The 12-year veteran joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, whose been a blood donor for years, found out he was a perfect bone marrow match for a 2-year-old fighting for his life.
At first the idea to the painful procedure didn’t go so well with friends and family.
“At the beginning they told me that I was crazy, that I shouldn’t be doing this and this and that,” Garcia said. “It’s natural and then as you go through the process, it sinks into them and it sinks into me and by the time you know if you got support."
Garcia said everyone later else saw what he knew all along: that there was a 2-year-old boy’s life was at stake.
The CBP officer traveled to San Antonio for the bone marrow donation and recovered quickly.
Garcia said he won’t be able to meet the boy who received the bone marrow donation until one to two years from now.
Although he knows nothing about the toddler, he's content with the fact that he was able to save someone's life.
Click here to find out more about becoming a bone marrow donor
