The urgent need for blood is a constant refrain, and now a Christian County native battling leukemia in Nashville is spotlighting this critical shortage in middle Tennessee and western Kentucky.
Chase Pemberton, son of Don and Laurie Pemberton, received the diagnosis and turned 23 this year. Don spoke with Your News Edge about Chase’s treatment at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
It’s expected that Chase will be in the hospital for the next seven weeks and undergo a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. Pemberton is currently employed with Dell following education from Hopkinsville High School and Western Kentucky University.
Don added that a special blood drive will be held Monday afternoon at the First Christian Church in Hopkinsville.
Any blood type can donate, with O-negative especially being sought to help Chase with his fight against leukemia. All donors on Monday afternoon will be entered into a raffle for a Weber Grill. Those who have O-negative blood will receive a gift certificate.
Additional prizes from the Bar B Que Shack and other local businesses will be given away.
One blood donation can save three lives. Some reminders for giving blood: make sure to eat a good meal before donating, avoid energy drinks, bring your ID, and drink plenty of water.
A fund has also been set up to help Chase with expenses. The account is at Planters Bank “for the benefit of Chase Pemberton.”
Don thanked the community for helping during this trying time for his family.
