Bone Marrow Drive Part of Initiative to Support Local Patient - Archived

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Bone Marrow Drive Part of Initiative to Support Local Patient
JGBCC to hold bone marrow donor drive in honor of TJ Lucas

Louisville, KY. (July 28, 2016) – Community members are joining together to support a young bone marrow transplant recipient. Last April, 20-year-old TJ Lucas was diagnosed with leukemia, just two days before his fiancée’s senior prom. The young high school sweethearts had to push back their wedding date due to the diagnosis.
 
Doctors at Jewish Hospital and University of Louisville Hospital, both part of KentuckyOne Health, diagnosed TJ with acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis followed TJ’s visit to the hospital for a cut on his hand that had become swollen, leading to the discovery that his white blood cell count was abnormally high.
 
TJ underwent chemotherapy and radiation for two months, followed by a bone marrow transplant at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Thanks to the bone marrow donor, TJ is now in remission. In honor of TJ’s success, the JGBCC will be hosting a bone marrow donor drive on Friday, July 29, to help others who are are still in need of a bone marrow transplant.
 
Money raised at two fundraisers will also go towards TJ’s medical bills. On Friday, July 29, a Kona Ice Truck will also be set up between University of Louisville hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, with 35 percent of the proceeds going to TJ.
 
WHAT:
Bone Marrow Donor Drive and Fundraiser in Honor of TJ Lucas
 
WHEN:
Friday, July 29
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
WHERE:
East Madison Street (between JGBCC and University of Louisville Hospital)
Louisville, KY 40202
                         
WHO:
Melissa Pritchett, RN, James Graham Brown Cancer Center
TJ Lucas, bone marrow transplant recipient
Jeff Steffen, owner and operator of Kona Ice Truck
 
 
OPPORTUNITIES:
Interviews with TJ Lucas, bone marrow transplant recipient
Interviews with Jeff Steffen, owner/operator of Kona Ice Truck
Interviews with JGBCC staff during bone marrow donor drive
Photos/Video of bone marrow donor drive
Photos/Video of community members stopping by Kona Ice Truck
                
MORE:
An additional fundraiser will be held for TJ on Saturday, July 30, at Bonnieville Elementary School, located at 7874 North Dixie Highway in Bonnieville. The fundraiser includes a yard sale, a bone marrow drive from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., a 3-point-shootout basketball tournament, cornhole tournament, and a live auction. Food and refreshments will be sold during the event. For more information on the fundraiser in Bonnieville, contact Crystal Lucas at 270.734.7289.