PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Friends, family and fans gathered Wednesday night to support beloved drag performer Martha Graham Cracker, also known as Dito van Reigersberg, who is battling leukemia.
The party at Bob & Barbara’s Lounge on South Street doubled as a fundraiser and stem cell donor drive. Van Reigersberg was diagnosed in October, and event organizer Victor Fiorillo said all hands are on deck to help him.
“He is currently going through chemotherapy, but beyond the chemotherapy, he really needs this [bone marrow] transplant,” he said.
The event partnered with the marrow and stem cell registry platform Be The Match. Attendees were able to swab themselves to see if they’d be a match for van Reigersberg.
Even people who did not attend can check if they’re a match by ordering a donor kit online. More than 350 orders have been placed to date. Anyone interested can text “Swab4Martha” to 61474.
Van Reigersberg has paused Martha Graham Cracker performances while he undergoes treatment.
“Even though he’s hospitalized and going through this dreadful chemo stuff, he still has so much positivity and hope and he wants people to be hopeful,” said Fiorillo. “It’s the end of the year — let’s celebrate life and celebrate Dito.”
Annie Lynaghnes volunteered at the event, even if her intentions were admittedly selfish.
“I need Martha to do another show. I’ll do anything to make that happen,” she said. “I have been a super fan for years. He has brought so much joy to my life and to so many people I know.”