Pikeville Medical Center Hosts Bone Marrow Testing Drive for Kyle Dean Smith

Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY. is the location for the latest bone marrow testing drive for ten-year-old Kyle Dean Smith, who is battling Acute Myeloid Monocytic Leukemia.

The owner of the hospital, Walter May, is agreeing to pay the processing costs of 100 of those tests taken during this drive which those tested cannot afford to pay for. Due to a special government grant especially for Smith, the processing costs for the tests has been halved to $25 per test. Those who can pay this price are strongly encouraged to do so. For those who cannot, donations are being taken to help pay for the tests.

Qualifications for possible donors are:

-Between the ages of 18 and 60.

-In fairly good health, (details regarding this will be explained at the drive and is included in the paperwork that those wishing to be tested will receive).

-Must NOT have received a bone marrow transplant in the past from someone else.

-If one already has a bone marrow donor card and is already in the National Marrow Registry, please, COME OUT ANYWAY. Drives held for Smith are private and those tested at them are matched specifically to him first. Then, if one wishes, they will go into the National Marrow Registry, (this is optional). Smith will not be matched against any in the registry unless he does not match any of those being tested privately through these drives. The reason the family has chosen to do it this way is because private testing is the fastest way to find a match, since a waiting list is not involved as is the case with the National and International Marrow Registries. When dealing with Acute Myeloid Monocytic Leukemia, one is literally racing the clock. Therefore, please COME OUT WHETHER YOU HOLD A DONOR CARD OR NOT.

The testing process is painless and quick. It involves a simple swabbing of the mouth with Q-tip-like instruments.

The drive will take place in the 2nd floor conference room on Monday, February 23, 2009, from 6:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. The public is invited as well as the employees and volunteers of the hospital. Smith's family profusely thanks each and everyone who supports these drives and offers help in any form during this difficult time.