Family hopes to bring mom home
Updated: January 23, 2013
ST. JOSEPH -- Imagine going to the eye doctor for blurry vision, and within two hours, you're being sent to the E.R. to be tested for cancer. That's how Sarah Parker found out she has leukemia, just after her 32nd birthday. WCIA-3's Jillian Deam shares her family's mission to find the person who can save her.
"They know mommy's at the doctor."
Nate Cremeens and his family are waiting.
"It's really hard for her, being away from us."
And it's just as hard for Willow, Maya and Allison to be away from their mom.
"Aly has been crying for her because she always wants to give her hugs and kisses when she goes to bed."
Their mom, Sarah, is battling a rare form of leukemia.
"The doctors are trying to make her better so she can come home."
"She's been in and out of intensive care."
"The chemo has really taken a toll on her."
She needs a bone marrow transplant, but doctors need a donor.
"There are still cases like Sarah where we can't find a donor right away."
Carrie Webb works at Community Blood Services. She says a lot goes into finding a match.
"It just goes to show, that even with 9-1/2 million members on the registry, there are still patients who can't find a donor."
"Your racial background affects who you can donate to. Sarah's bi-racial, which has really narrowed down her donor pool."
With no match in the family, Nate hopes someone out there can save Sarah.
"There's matches out there somewhere, just not in the database."
"Getting on the registry takes some paperwork and quick cheek swab. It doesn't take long, and it could save Sarah's life or someone like Sarah."
"That cheek swab is a very big commitment."
A commitment this family hopes someone is willing to make to bring mom home.
"We miss her very much, and we're working hard to bring her home."
"My mom, she's taught us to stay strong, and positive and not let anything put us down."
There's a benefit planned for Sarah for those interested in joining the registry.
Be the Match
Saturday, January 26
St. Joseph Middle School
5 - 10 pm
Sarah Parker's Benefit Fund
Busey Bank
"They know mommy's at the doctor."
Nate Cremeens and his family are waiting.
"It's really hard for her, being away from us."
And it's just as hard for Willow, Maya and Allison to be away from their mom.
"Aly has been crying for her because she always wants to give her hugs and kisses when she goes to bed."
Their mom, Sarah, is battling a rare form of leukemia.
"The doctors are trying to make her better so she can come home."
"She's been in and out of intensive care."
"The chemo has really taken a toll on her."
She needs a bone marrow transplant, but doctors need a donor.
"There are still cases like Sarah where we can't find a donor right away."
Carrie Webb works at Community Blood Services. She says a lot goes into finding a match.
"It just goes to show, that even with 9-1/2 million members on the registry, there are still patients who can't find a donor."
"Your racial background affects who you can donate to. Sarah's bi-racial, which has really narrowed down her donor pool."
With no match in the family, Nate hopes someone out there can save Sarah.
"There's matches out there somewhere, just not in the database."
"Getting on the registry takes some paperwork and quick cheek swab. It doesn't take long, and it could save Sarah's life or someone like Sarah."
"That cheek swab is a very big commitment."
A commitment this family hopes someone is willing to make to bring mom home.
"We miss her very much, and we're working hard to bring her home."
"My mom, she's taught us to stay strong, and positive and not let anything put us down."
There's a benefit planned for Sarah for those interested in joining the registry.
Be the Match
Saturday, January 26
St. Joseph Middle School
5 - 10 pm
Sarah Parker's Benefit Fund
Busey Bank
