4-year-old needs bone marrow transplant

A four-year-old boy is battling a rare disease that could kill him.

Marcus David needs a bone marrow transplant. His church and family are raising money to help pay for the cost of the surgery.

The child is putting his best foot forward, lending a helping hand to volunteers working to raise money for a bone marrow transplant.

“You go through fear and anger, and then you look at your kids and they're so brave and they inspire me, and when I see them I’m just so joyful and they're a blessing to me, said Tammy David,” Marcus' mother.

Tammy David says in addition to his daily medication, Marcus receives three shots a week to boost his immune system, but he needs a transplant for his long term health.

“It could be a cure. He could be healed from this disease. His immune system would work,” said David.

A transplant will cost about half a million dollars.

This group of volunteers believes the cost is a small price to pay for Marcus and his family.

Dozens of people from Voth Baptist Church are packing up barbecue plates to raise money for the David family.

“They just help us to carry this burden,” said David.

Mothers, retirees and working women are packing up 572 plates filled with 3 kinds of barbecue and all the trimmings.

“They're a very special family all of them,” said Jennifer White.

Melinda Smith and Jennifer White organized the event. They say the family has stayed strong and remained positive, even though all three David children suffer from a genetic disorder. 

“God is in control and there's a reason for everything, and they are happy, and, for the most part, healthy children, unless they get an infection,” said David.

Marcus' brothers are too old for the surgery.  Now, his family members, along with a lot of caring friends, are working to help a four-year-old overcome his battle with a genetic disorder and live a normal life.

If you'd like to buy a barbecue plate, they're on sale through Saturday.  On Friday, volunteers will deliver to your home or work.  Call 651-4766 or 504-6255.  The plates are $6, $8 and $10.  You can choose from a 1, 2, or 3 meat plate. 

On Saturday, volunteers will be selling plates at Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store on Highway 69 in Kountze.  They'll start at 10 a.m. and end when they're sold out.

All of the money raised goes toward the David Family's medical expenses as well as all the extra costs involved with commuting to and from Houston. 

It’s often difficult finding a bone marrow match.  Marcus' father is a match for him, and when the child is healthy enough, doctors in Houston will perform the transplant. If you'd like to become a donor, call LifeShare Blood Centers at  838-5289.