USA: In a heartwarming campaign rooted in community spirit, Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, is rallying to give Roxanne Pumphrey a second chance at life. Battle-worn from a decades-long struggle with blood cancer, Roxanne faces the critical need for a stem cell transplant. The church is hosting a blood drive aimed at finding her the perfect donor match, an urgent quest fueled by both love and hope.
Roxanne’s journey with myelodysplastic syndrome, a severe form of blood cancer, began when she was just ten years old. After years of misdiagnoses and countless doctors, she finally received an accurate diagnosis. Now, as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Roxanne’s primary focus is on her family. Her daily fight against this relentless illness has not only been a personal battle but one involving her loved ones who are determined to support her.
The stark reality of finding a match is highlighted by disparities in donor matching. While white patients have an impressive 79% chance of finding a match, that number plummets to just 29% for Black patients, underscoring the importance of this community initiative. With hope riding on their shoulders, church members are stepping up to offer their support, recognizing that a simple cheek swab could potentially extend Roxanne’s life for many more cherished years.
The blood drive is scheduled for Saturday morning at the church, welcoming donors aged 18 to 55 who are in good health. Encouraging the community to come forward, Roxanne’s story shines a light on the profound impact of organ and tissue donation. In an era where one action can serve as a lifeline, Roxanne’s fight is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the collective strength of community.
