A Columbia High School student battling leukemia could benefit from your blood.
A drive on behalf of 17-year-old Bailey Rink is set for March 14, and in addition to students, organizers are hopeful that community members will join in.
“I called Ms. B. (high school Principal Sheila Burbridge) because I knew we had a blood drive set at the school,” Special Services Director Renea Rayborn said. “Bailey is battling leukemia and he is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. He has to go through the Blood Center.”
Rink was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia on Dec. 26, 2015. He was in the last stages of his maintenance when the cancer returned on Oct. 24, 2017.
“Consequently, Bailey’s cancer treatment has to be administered all over again,” Rayborn said. “He will need intensive chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant.”
As of Nov. 24, 2017, the Columbia High student had needed 40 transfusions and will need more. He is being treated at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. The Blood Center is the hospital’s provider.
Between Louisiana and Mississippi, Children’s Hospital is currently treating more than 1,100 cancer patients.
To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds, 16-year-olds who weigh at least 130 pounds can donate when presenting a signed Blood Center parental consent form. Go to www.bloodcenter.org to download a form.
Advance signups for adults are requested by March 8, and can be made by contacting Ryaborn at the Special Services Office in the Columbia School District Administrative Annex at 1107 Broad St., by calling her at (601) 736-5336 or by emailing rrayborn@columbiaschools.org.
“The Blood Center’s donation center will be parked next to the annex,” she said. “It’s definitely open to the public and not just students. Ellen Winton will be handling the registration of the students and outside people will be handled through my office. We’re trying to get people to sign up in the next week or so.”
A site as also has been setup to help Rink and his family financially as he goes through the treatments.
Donations will go to help with medical costs such as prescriptions, and gas to and from Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. To make a financial donation, visit www.gofundme.com/1team4bailey.
“He’s been in and out of the hospital,” Rayborn said. “We’re trying to keep him engaged in school. He’s been doing some online stuff.”
