LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A bone marrow transplant could save his life, but he is Hispanic, and the number of Hispanic donors is limited.

In the world registry of 11 million marrow donors, 75 percent are Caucasian.

A Las Cruces dad hopes to give his son a fighting chance by encouraging more Hispanics to become donors.

Brandon Flores is 17-years-old. He first got sick at age 5, again a few years later, and just months ago learned it was back.

“We are looking for a bone marrow match for him, which they haven't been able to find. It's a matter of life or death. Without this he won't make it,” said Rick Flores, Brandon’s Father

Brandon and his parents fly to the University Hospital in Albuquerque Thursday to meet with doctors.

"He's got a real good attitude. He bounced back really well after this last chemo treatment and he's a strong person. He's gone through this for 12 years," said Flores.

Flores said the donor program would look more promising if his son were white.

“The Hispanics, the different races it's like 25 percent and the other 75 percent that's why where having such a hard time so we need a lot of Hispanics to go in and do the testing," said Flores.

Each test kit consists of a cotton swabs and a consent form. Donors will remain on the world wide list until they are 60 years old.

“Most people think because it's your brother, sister they came from the same parent. They think your DNA automatically matches but there’s only a 30 percent chance that the DNA from your siblings will match," said Anita Gonzales of the National Marrow Donor program.

In the borderland now, 19 children, five teens, including Brandon, and 26 adults are in need of donors.

“The population is predominately Hispanic yet you know it very little that we can bank on 2 percent of the people that we talk to,” said Gonzales.

Two bone marrow drives are scheduled this weekend.

They will take place this Saturday at all United Blood Services locations in Las Cruces and El Paso from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.