June Patient of the Month: Mandi Batson

Mandi Batson has been fighting for her life since she was 4 years old. She has endured two heart surgeries and was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in 2006. The following year, she received a bone marrow transplant to treat the CML but later contracted Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) as a result of the transplant. Bone marrow patients can contract GVHD when the newly transplanted cells attack the recipient's organs. In Mandi's case, the disease attacked and damaged her lungs. Doctors have said a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival.

Throughout every health battle she has faced, Mandi has been a fighter. She is thankful for the dedication of her family, who has been with her every step of the way, and the steadfast support of her church family at Faith Assembly of God. Despite her health challenges, she graduated from high school in the top 10% of her class, is an active member of her church youth group and serves as an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish program. Currently, Mandi is a pre-med college student and hopes to be a doctor to help children overcome their own cancer battles. But she needs your help.

To read more of Mandi's story or to make a donation in her honor, visit her web bio on the NFT website.