Needs lifesaving transplant

People throughout the community are coming together to help a popular Lillington dentist who is now in the middle of a life or death battle against cancer.

Friends of Dr. David Price, who practices in Lillington, are hosting drives throughout the area in an effort to find a bone marrow match. He is now being treated at University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill as he battles acute myeloid leukemia or (AML.) He needs a stem cell transplant from a non-related person to help in his battle with the disease.

Donors who participate have their information added into an international network which is consulted when people need a bone marrow transplant.

The first of several collection drives was held at Dr. Price’s office last week in an effort to assist him find a donor.

According to Sharon Stevens, one of the organizers, 115 people had their information recorded at the initial drive and are now in the international database of donors.

Statistics show that a lifesaving donor for someone is found in about every 100 people who donate, meaning the drive may well have saved someone’s life.

So far, a match has not been found for Dr. Price but family and friends remain hopeful.

Potential donors have to be between the ages of 18 and 55. Donors older than 55 are considered too old to be effective donors.

Mrs. Stevens said the event was emotional for all involved.

“This is the kind of thing you don’t think about until it happens to someone you know,” she said. “To see that many people come out, in the rain, shows that they care.”

Organizers are continuing the campaign to find a donor. More drives will be held in the Buies Creek area in the near future.

One drive will be held at Campbell University during an upcoming baseball game. Campbell University students will assist with that drive.

Another drive will be held at Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek where the family attends church.

Dr. Price’s wife, Melody, said the family has multiple hopes for the transplant drives.

“Our prayer is that not only will a donor be found for David, but that in the process, our community will provide donors for others currently on the transplant list,” Mrs. Price said. “If you are eligible — between the ages of 18 and 55 and in good health — please consider giving someone a chance at life.”

-Dunn Daily Record