Slatton preparing for bone marrow transplant

The latest tests are looking positive and leukemia patient Presley Slatton is preparing for the biggest step in her young life ‘ a bone marrow transplant.

To help achieve that goal, a blood and bone marrow drive is scheduled for next Friday, July 20, at Raintree Manor from 2 to 7 p.m. In addition to giving blood, bone marrow screenings will take place in an effort to find a donor.

‘It’s a non-invasive screening. There is no pain involved,’ said Raintree Manor admissions coordinator Devonya King. ‘All they do is swab the inside of your jaw for tissue.’

Presley is a 10-year-old Eastside student who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. She has been receiving treatment at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital since April 24, which is just over 11 weeks.

‘She’s had to undergo so much,’ said grandmother June Slatton. ‘She knows she’s sick and she knows she has to stay at the hospital to get better. She’s going to have a real tough time with this bone marrow transplant but it’s her chance at life.’

Presley has endured three rounds of chemotherapy, which has killed some of the cancer cells in her body. The next step is radiation, which is normally a bigger challenge than chemo. A bone marrow transplant follows radiation.

‘Chemo attacks all the vital organs so you have to keep checking and checking and pray it doesn’t hurt them,’ said Slatton. ‘But so far she’s OK. Her kidneys are fine and her liver is fine. They have even tested her teeth.’

For the blood and bone marrow drive, two Blood Assurance buses will be in the Raintree Manor parking lot to expedite the process. Blood Assurance will also be making a financial donation toward Presley’s medical expenses for every blood donor.

Raintree Manor officials would like to get an estimate of how many people to expect. If you plan to donate, please call the nursing home at 668-2011.

Presley is the daughter of Tracy Hutchins and Jim Allen Slatton.