Now, they are performance partners for the Haley Brooks Benefit.
The duo will take the stage Friday night at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in an effort to help with the Brooks family’s medical expenses stemming from Haley’s treatment for Diamond-Blackfan anemia. (An article published in Monday’s edition of the Banner included an incorrect date).
Other entertainment for the night will include Hope Rising, God’s Way, Connie Wright, Mallory Ledford and Destiny Crittenden. Actor Robert Coles will also be doing a book signing.
Entertainment will be provided free of charge from 1 to 9 p.m. Donations toward expenses will be accepted. A quilt giveaway will also be held to raise funds.
A blood drive and bone marrow screenings will be held earlier in the day by Blood Assurance at the site beginning at 10 a.m. The drive will run until 12:15 p.m. A second drive at the same location will be held a short time later, from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
“Our ultimate goal is to find her a bone marrow donor,” said Laverne Lee, Violet’s mother.
“That way she would be cured,” Robert Lee said.
A bone marrow donor does not have to be the same blood type as Haley to be a match. Instead, the donor would have to be a match on 10 criteria, according to Danny Brooks, Haley’s father. Potential bone marrow donors are screened by swabbing the person’s mouth. Potential donors are then given paperwork to become a part of the National Marrow Donor Program, according to Blood Assurance.
All proceeds will go toward Haley’s medical bills.
Diamond-Blackfan anemia is a rare blood disease which causes the body not to produce red blood cells. Lisa Brooks, Haley’s mom, said it necessitates Haley receiving a blood transfusion every other week.
