BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — It is something no parent wants to hear, a local mother is now turning to the community after finding out that her son recently stopped responding to treatment as he continues with his long battle with cancer.
Javon Crompton is a local 14-year-old in need of lifesaving help. He has a rare form of leukemia that results in less than 200,000 cases nationwide but during an event this weekend, the community could help with his treatment.
“You think a child, and you look back at your life. It's like I lived my life, but then you never want to see your child suffer, or any child.”
Kimberly Crompton has been by her son's side since he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2019, but after six weeks, she says his treatments have stopped working.
“He's in what they consider blast phase, which is considered the serious phase like we gotta do something because it can turn into something very very traumatic,” said Crompton.
After hearing this update, Crompton says doctors are recommending a blood stem cell transplant.
“A specific tissue type and it goes by numbers, so they're looking for specific numbers to line up and match.”
To find Javon's perfect match, they're asking the community to participate in a drive-up donor registration on Saturday morning at Kingdom Tax Services on Stine Road.
“My hope is that many people come and that we find matches for not only me but for other people,” said Javon.
Kimberly says the process on Saturday is easy, “there will be representatives from Be The Match where they can also ask questions, but they can complete the Buccal Swab there on-site, just do three swabs of the cheek.”
And if you find out that you are a match for someone in need Crompton says it's only a one-time eight-hour process which is similar to donating blood plasma. It’s different for Javon however, he would have to stay in the hospital for 100 days, but his mom couldn't be more thankful for the stem cell process.
“A child has not yet experienced his first kiss, his first date, but you know with the stem cell we get to see that. I get to see my grandkids, all of it. We get to live life and do it more abundantly.”
If you would like to support Jehvan and find out if you are his match, you can show up at Kingdom Tax Services at 3208 Stine Rd. In Bakersfield. You can come from 10:30 am- 1:30 pm on Saturday January 23rd. All donors must be in general good health and between the ages of 18 and 44. For more information you can contact: Vannesa Perez at vperez@coh.org.
