Local man faces stem cell transplant in cancer battle

"He first just felt really fatigued," April Wamble says, recalling her husband's initial symptoms in December of 2006.

"Eventually, he underwent extensive testing and the bloodwork indicated an elevated white blood cell count, which is a good indicator that it could be leukemia."

The 1996 Dexter High School graduate continued to work in sales at a Cape Girardeau electric supply company and he was placed on a chemotherapy drug that, although had side effects that left him nauseous much of the time, seemed to work to keep the disease in check for a period of about 18 months.

About six weeks ago, though, tests revealed that Brent's white cell counts were once again on the rise and it was determined that the drug was no longer effective in treating the CML. The young couple was told that the leukemia was in the "blast" stage, considered to be the final stage of the disease. A stem cell transplant was needed and the search began for a suitable donor.

"We received a phone call at home, since the tests were done at a Columbia medical facility," recalls April Wamble, "and we were told that it was urgent that Brent be admitted to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis to be placed on a donor list to undergo a stem cell transplant."

The date was September 2 and this week, the Wamble family was notified that a donor, one who matched seven of the eight criteria for a match, was located overseas.

One might think that once a match is determined, the process of obtaining the stem cells would be expedient, but compiling all of the necessary data and devising a schedule, along with undergoing further and more complex bloodwork, takes time.

"We expect that the transplant itself, which actually just involves an injection, will take place in early November," April explains.

"Then, Brent is required to remain in the hospital for another month so that his doctors can watch closely for any signs of rejections of the foreign cells."

In the meantime, another chemotherapy drug is being administered at Barnes.

"Brent is in good spirits," says his wife, "and he is so much looking forward to getting the transplant and coming home, hopefully in December."

A community of friends, family, and acquaintances of the Wambles have been hard at work to lessen the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

"There are many aspects of Brent's treatment that insurance doesn't touch," explains longtime friend, Jason Twomey, who along with his wife, Gerianne, has spearheaded a number of activities geared toward raising funds for the Wamble family.

"And the price of gas alone, to the St. Louis hospital, is something that few average families could afford long term, and April is spending every other week with her husband, alternating with her mother-in-law," Twomey explains.

So, through a number of ways, including a spaghetti supper slated for this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. during the downtown Fall Fest at the Church of God on Catalpa Street in Dexter, Brent Wamble's supporters are coming to the family's aid.

In one of the most unique methods devised, the Twomeys, with the help of BA Promotions, have designed t-shirts that are selling for $12 each, emblazoned with the slogan, "Fight for Brent Wamble." The shirts also encourage others to donate not just blood, but bone marrow as well.

"We've sold over 100 of the shirts so far," Gerianne Twomey says, "but we have plenty and we intend to keep promoting the sale to help the Wambles all we can, even after Brent returns home in December."

In addition, Chris Jones with Jones Guns and Ammo is sponsoring a rifle raffle, with the winner's name to be drawn on Nov. 10, and family member Phillip Starnes is putting together another raffle for a commercial weed eater and blower attachment, with a second place prize being a $200 gift card at a Van Buren restaurant. Information regarding those items may be obtained by calling 573-718-0551 or 573-624-7164 or inquiring at Gary's Quick Stop in Dexter.

During this month of "Making a Difference," friends of Brent and April Wamble and their five-year-old daughter Kaycee, are working diligently, with hope and promise to make a positive difference in the lives of their young friend.

Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign to ease the financial burden for the Wambles is asked to contact Southern Missouri Bank where a fund has been established in the name of Brent Wamble. Email has also been established at fightforbrentwamble@yahoo.com.

Shirts may be obtained by calling 573-614-5123, 625-1974 or 625-1815.