Smith's Family Issues an Official Thank You to the Community

Kyle Dean Smith, a 10 year old student of Elkhorn City Elementary, is battling a form of leukemia called Acute Myeloid Leukemia- Monocytic (M5). In Smith's case, this cancer is genetic. A mutation of the FLT-3 gene caused a translocation of particular chromosomes. This has resulted in very high white blood cell counts and manifests itself in ways similar to an auto-immune disease. Because Smith has such an aggressive instance of this cancer, he is being given four different chemo drugs to completely destroy all bone marrow cells. When this phase is complete, Smith will require a bone marrow transplant in Cincinnati, OH. If the transplant is successful, he will continue in Cincinnati for some months for further therapy which will aim at preventing a relapse. Smith's chances of survival are statistically between 30 to 60%.

Smith's family would like to thank the following people for their exceptional support in donating funds to pay for bone marrow testing and contributing supplies:

Councilman Mike Taylor

Gypsy Cantrell

Larry Cantrell

Charles Cantrell

Roger Elswick of Elswick Construction

Robbie Lester of Elkhorn Drug

and EVERYONE who has given time, money, prayers, and offered help in any way. We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary loving kindness shown to us and Kyle Smith during our time of need. Such community love is rare and is certainly appreciated. It will never be forgotten.