Our Oncology unit, 2C, had a patient who was admitted to our unit for the first time in October 2013. She was 30 years old, and was given a new diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. From Oct. 2013 to Dec. 2014, she had 11 inpatient stays. These stays accumulated to almost seven months of living in our hospital. We became her second family. She knew the staff by name and we knew her family members. We became part of her support system. Mid-way through her treatment she went through the work-up to receive a bone marrow transplant in attempt to save her life. Unfortunately, she lost her battle to cancer in December 2014.

Our staff became very close to this patient over the course of her disease. April Baker, RN, one of our nurses, became very interested in the need for bone marrow donors. Bone marrow transplants can be a life-saving treatment for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia, and is usually a last hope for a patient. April researched the need and discussed with her department director. She went to our hospital administration to ask for assistance, and support in holding a community bone marrow drive. Our administration whole-heartedly agreed and provided the support and funding for the drive. Over the course of several months, she worked diligently to make the drive a reality, working with lab, marketing and volunteers to put the event together. The drive was held in April, with a great response of people qualifying for the National Bone Marrow Registry.

Our community drive was held in memory of a very special patient to us. She made a lasting impression upon the hearts of oncology staff and especially upon April. She is truly an extraordinary nurse, and an excellent representative for Baptist Health Paducah.