The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

ZION Knowles is still miles away from receiving the $500,000 bone marrow transplant that she needs.

Jason Knowles, the 5-year-old’s father, yesterday again made a plea for sponsors as a fund-raiser and several donations from individuals have only raised around $20,000.

While officials at the Miami Children’s hospital, where Zion is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment, have started searching for potential bone marrow matches, a donor will not be selected until the money is available.

Mr Knowles said: “We are still a good ways off from raising the money that we need. We are just hoping and praying that we’ll reach the mark soon so that Zion can get the transplant that she desperately needs.

“The largest hurdle as it stands is raising the funds, that has been the issue.

“But it is encouraging that Zion continues to remain in high spirits.”

Doctors told Zion’s parents in May that she was no longer in remission of leukemia. Since then it has been difficult to raise money for treatment because Zion is no longer covered by medical insurance as she had been with her first stint with the disease.

She was first diagnosed last year and by September 2012 doctors noted that Zion was responding well to treatments. They expected her to make a full recovery.

However, in January Zion began to have symptoms, including pain and fever which raised red flags for her parents. It was later confirmed that she had had a relapse.

Anyone who would rather donate anonymously can electronically wire funds to the Miami Children’s Hospital. Details of how it can be done are on Zion’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/hopeforzionknowles.

Persons requiring more information can email Jason Knowles at jasonhknowles@gmail.com.