A bone marrow drive will be held on Monday, May 5, at the Dearing Christian Church from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., in search of a bone marrow match for Granton Bayless, son of Daniel and Jenni Bayless, who has been diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodifficiency disease (SCID). This disease is the same disease as the famed, “Bubble Boy,” who received national attention for the disease.

A fundraiser hog roast will also be held in conjunction with the bone marrow drive from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Dearing Christian Church, provided by Chuck and Robin Kaminska.

Those who come to the drive will receive a buccal swab, which is a cotton swab test of the inner cheek. With only a 3% chance of matching Granton, all donors will also be registered with the National Marrow Donor Program. Donors must be between the ages of 18-60.

Granton is currently staying at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and his parents are at the Ronald McDonald House. Granton is the grandson of Dennis and Debbie Bayless of Havana. Daniel is a graduate of Caney Valley High School.

For more information, visit Granton’s blog at http://grantonbayless.blogspot.com.

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Because of the costs associated with Granton Bayless’s parents living at the Ronald McDonald House, away from their home in Bolivar, Mo., the Lone Cherry Southern Baptist Church is asking for donations of money to go to the family. Area people may not be able to attend the marrow drive but would like to help. Kris Smilko, pastor, said that a tax deductible fund for the family has been set up so that anyone may donate to assist in the expenses.

Those willing to give any amount may call 620-673-9391, stop by and drop it off or mail it to LCSBC, 1366 RD 31, Havana KS 67347. Be sure to indicate on the memo line to designate the funds for the “Granton Bayless Fund.”

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