McKinney Girl Battling Cancer Gets Surprise Concert
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COLLIN COUNTY (CBS 11 NEWS) - A quick, late afternoon car trip turned into a wonderful surprise for a 12-year-old McKinney girl battling cancer.
Emily Thompson wiped tears from her eyes and could barely manage little more than 'thank you' as she saw her Cockrill Middle School bandmates gathered for an impromptu concert and pep rally.
The event was all designed to show support for the 7th grader who has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.
Emily needs a bone marrow transplant to survive. But, no family members are suitable donors. Now, the community is rallying to register at least 2,000 new donors to improve her chances of getting a match.
The donor drive is slated for Saturday, February 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Slaughter Elementary School located at 2706 Wolford Street in McKinney.
Registering takes just a few minutes and requires only a cheek swab to determine if a person is a match.
Anyone in good general health and between the ages of 18 and 55 is encouraged to stop by the drive to register.
"Finding a donor match is basically a matter of luck and numbers, " say Emily's parents, Lee and Grady Thompson, "so the more from which there is to draw, the greater the chances of finding a suitable donor."
Visit Delete Blood Cancer's website to learn more about becoming a donor.
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