The great news is that Dad is still in remission! It has been a crazy few months, as we learned more about Dad’s specific type of Leukemia and the treatment options available. My parents have been driving from Newnan to Northside Hospital three to four days a week since December. There have been countless blood and platelet transfusions, bone marrow biopsy’s, lumbar punctures, cat scans, MRI’s, EKG’s and echocardiograms. As exhausting and stressful as this has been, Dad has a positive attitude and remains ready to do whatever it takes to be cured.

In January, at a meeting with his doctor, Dad was given the choice to receive chemo to hold off the Leukemia for 1 - 2 years, or to have a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, which gives him a good chance for a cure. At that meeting the doctor made it clear the transplant and recovery will be grueling. Dad, along with our family, is committed to fighting and beating this terrible disease which could take 6 months to a year. Dad has never wavered in his determination to do whatever it takes to get well. The next step was finding a donor, and we were very grateful that Leigh and I (Casey) are matches! Since Leigh is 10 years younger, they decided that she was the best choice. 

On March 18th, Leigh will donate her stem cells, and they will be given to Dad on March 28th. Mom and Dad will live in the Hope Lodge (near the hospital) for a minimum of 100 days, as they need to be very close to the hospital during his recovery. 

We are very hopeful but very scared as well. Please pray for Leigh as she will begin daily injections to stimulate her cell production on March 14th to prepare for the donation on the 18th. She could have side effects similar to having the flu. She will have a port inserted into her upper chest, which will be removed the day after she donates. We ask for y’all to continue praying for Larry during this time. We have been so thankful for your prayers and know that they have and will make all the difference.