CHESAPEAKE, Va. — After a 7-year-old Chesapeake boy who's battling leukemia lost his promised donor, over 100 people showed up to a donor event to see if they could be a match.
On Sunday, Jan. 14, people went to Norfolk's Scope Arena to see if they could be a donor match for Cayden Addison.
The bone marrow drive was hosted by Soulfull Vegan VA. They tell us that out of the 100+ potential donors, about three dozen people met the age and health guidelines to register.
The event was organized after Cayden's family found out that he lost his promised bone marrow donor, leaving them rushing to find a replacement.
His family says he needs a bone marrow transplant to save his life. He's already been through chemotherapy to treat his leukemia - a blood cancer that forms in bone marrow.
"The bone marrow transplant will kill all of the bone marrow that he has in his body hopefully removing any chemo or cancerous cells," Courtney Addison, Cayden's mother told News 3. "With the bone marrow donor, the bone marrow will be implanted into his bones to help produce bone marrow without any cancerous cells."
Courtney Addison says her son has been in and out of the hospital. Cayden had a tough battle with leukemia, a blood cancer that forms in the bone marrow.
Health
Kurt Williams's next step on cancer journey: Is it confined to the prostate?
"Cayden was originally diagnosed in April 2020," Addison said. "During that round for 2 years, he received chemotherapy. He relapsed in February of 2023. I just found out a couple hours ago there are signs of his leukemia returning after 2 failed attempts of another treatment."
Addison says her son has been through a lot.
"He has a line that comes out of his chest where he can administer chemo, a button through his stomach where he can receive medicine," Addison said.
She said her son's mood remains uplifting.
"He always maintains a positive attitude," Addison said. "Cayden loves eating, loves dancing and video games."
"While we have everyone under one roof, let’s get tested," Tree Kelty, the creator of Soulfull Vegan VA said. "All you have to do is swab your mouth. Let’s get tested to see if you can be a match to help Cayden."
News 3's Leondra Head spoke to Addison at the Black Eyed Peas restaurant in Virginia Beach. A portion of mac & cheese sales at Black Eyed Peas will go towards the Be The Match foundation for Cayden.
"When you hear Cayden’s story and see his face—a seven-year-old boy—how could you not want to help," Kelty said.
If you weren't able to make it to Sunday's donor drive, you can text CaydenCFC to 61474 to see if you're a match or click here.
