Laura Southwick Hendricks, wife, mother of three, and daughter of Chuck and Nancy Southwick, has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The specific type of AML that Laura has is less responsive to traditional chemotherapy. As a result, Laura will receive an initial round of chemotherapy followed by a procedure called a stem cell transplant. The goal of this treatment plan is to completely remove all leukemia cells from her bone marrow and then repopulate her bone marrow with healthy immune cells. Laura will start chemotherapy on 2/9 and will remain in the hospital for roughly 1 month while her body recovers. The details and timing of the stem cell transplant will then depend on several factors including how her bone marrow responds to chemotherapy and how quickly a suitable stem cell donor is found.

For those looking for a way to help, please visit bethematch.org.

A simple cheek swab is all that is required to see if you might be a match for Laura (or other patients waiting for a stem cell transplant). If you are a match, all you have to do is give blood to save a life.

The Southwick and Hendricks’ families are forever grateful for any help, support, love, and prayers.

Visit our community site: The Hendricks 5.