Killeen Child With Leukemia Needs Support From Our Entire Community
This story touched me in a way that I HAD to share.
Michael Dixon, a 9-year-old Texas boy, was featured in a story by our partners at KWTX a few months ago.
Back during the February snowstorm, Michael Dixon (a.k.a. MJ) began experiencing pain in his legs and was diagnosed with B cell Acute Leukemia and is now in need of a marrow transplant.
Doctors informed his mom, Chaundra Dixon, that MJ would need full-time care for at least a year.
At the time the story was published, Dixon was using 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave and had used up her other paid time off options.
She told KWTX:
“The doctor told me “you cannot work”. Those words hit me because it’s like how can I pay the bills? I have other babies.”
Dixon's experience gave her a new perspective and an idea - she plans to present Killeen city leaders with an idea about creating daycare specifically for sick children.
We'll be keeping an eye on that effort, but for now, we can all help MJ and other patients with blood cancer a fighting chance.
This Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Fort Hood Clear Creek Commissary at 500001 Clear Creek Road in Fort Hood will host a free COVID-safe drive-thru marrow drive. A quick, painless cheek swab is all it takes to find out of if you're a match to MJ or another patient in dire need of marrow that could save their life.
MJ only has a 23% chance of finding his marrow match. That person could be you.
If you’re unable to attend the drive-thru in person, join MJ‘s registry by texting 61474 or scanning the QR code below. They'll send you a home swab kit that you can mail back to see if you're a match.
You're also welcome to give anything you can spare to MJ's GoFundMe page here.
Central Texans have our neighbor's back when they need us. Let's rally for this little boy!
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