'Swabbing for Samantha' event set for Saturday at First Baptist Church

Samantha Andrews, a 10-year-old Benton girl, is currently battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The Andrews family is inviting the public from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to First Baptist Church of Benton to rally behind Samantha in her quest to find a bone marrow or stem cell donor.

Samantha’s journey with AML began in 2021, and after a year-long remission in 2022, she was able to return to school in January 2023, be with friends, and enjoy a much-needed summer break.

“She’s tried to live life and do everything she can do because she had a year and a half where she could do nothing. For her to get to school and be with friends for the summer was a sign of getting back to normal,” said Samantha’s mother, Serena Andrews.

However, the family received devastating news on August 31 when they learned of Samantha’s relapse. She underwent her last chemotherapy treatment just a few nights ago, and now, it’s a waiting game as they anticipate her immune system’s recovery.

For Samantha, a blood stem cell transplant is her best chance at survival. To fast-track this critical process, the Andrews family has partnered with DKMS, the world’s largest blood stem cell donor center, to host a local registration drive aimed at finding potential matching donors for Samantha. Approximately 70% of people with blood-related illnesses must rely on donors outside of their families to save their lives, according to DKMS.

Becoming a donor is a quick and straightforward process, involving a simple cheek swab that takes just a few minutes. Potential donors can stop by the church, review their medical eligibility, fill out a registration form, and swab the insides of their cheeks before dropping off their completed packet.

Before her relapse, Samantha had dreams of returning to middle school, participating in soccer, enjoying community fairs, hiking, camping, and embarking on her “Make a Wish” trip to DisneyWorld.

A successful blood stem cell donation would not only save her life but also allow Samantha to regain her health and “start living life again,” as she said.

Samantha has already gone through over 60 blood transfusions and frequently needs blood and platelet treatments. She recently finished her first round of chemotherapy and will soon begin a second. Each session takes 1-2 months. Then Samantha will hopefully be ready for the bone marrow transplant.

For those unable to attend the registration drive in person, DKMS offers an alternative option. Visit dkms.org or contact [email protected] to request a free swab kit that will be delivered directly to your home.

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