Neighbors rally to help child with rare disorder

Ogdensburg — A recent cut-a-thon to benefit the family of Maya Gordon was very well attended at Ultima Salon in Andover. Customers waited up to two hours for a haircut, but happily so. Maya was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder — familial HLH — and has been undergoing chemotherapy, but the cure for her illness lies in a bone marrow transplant. The expense is overwhelming for Maya’s parents, Ogdensburg native Shana (Sabourin) Gordon, a stylist at the salon, and her husband Kris, a state corrections officer. The recent salon fundraiser asked patrons to pay $25 for a hair cut; $35 for a cut and blow dry. All proceeds went to the family. Also, for Maya’s benefit, students at Sussex County Community College recently held a blood drive and bake sale. Other fundraising events are in the works, including one on March 7 from 2 to 5 at the Hampton Township Fire House on Halsey Road. The afternoon with feature vendors and a bake sale from area Scout troops, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Maya. In the meantime, a donor is being sought for Maya’s bone marrow transplant. Salon owner Glenda Flanagan said the bone marrow extraction procedure is not as complex as it has been in the past, and she hopes people interested in being a donor match will reach out to help.