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It’s been about nine months since baby Matheson Barber of Greensboro was diagnosed with leukemia.

Although he’s finished with chemotherapy, 14-month-old Matheson’s parents are still praying for a full recovery. The first six months are the most crucial as relapse most often occurs during that time.

“We’re home, recovering, and trying to get back into a somewhat normal life,” said Holly Barber, Matheson’s mom . “Matheson is doing really well. He’s getting his hair back, getting his appetite back and beginning to walk.”

To keep tabs on the tot’s progress, the Barbers take Matheson for check-ups monthly.

Earlier this year, the community came together for a 5K race and raised $20,000 to help the family.

Now the Barbers want to do something in honor of the community support and of Matheson.

The family and Life Community Church will host the blood drive from 1:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 4900 W. Wendover Ave., Jamestown.

During the six months at Duke University Medical Center, Holly Barber came to realize the importance of blood donations. “It’s a common thing for children in (Matheson’s situation) to get blood, almost daily,” she said. “I’d never given (blood) before. It just made me realize how important it is.”

So Barber contacted the American Red Cross to see how she could organize a blood drive. Elaine Grant of Life Community Church has organized such events at the church and offered to take over.

The American Red Cross will also offer a free bone marrow registry at the drive.

Bone marrow transplants are important for the recovery from this type of leukemia.

“We pray and believe that Matheson will remain cancer free,” Barber said. “However, if he should relapse at any point, a bone marrow transplant would be the only treatment option. And neither of his brothers are a match.” So Matheson would rely heavily on the registry for a matching donor.

Matheson’s brothers are Jaxon, 6, and Jones, 2.

“Fundraisers, prayers, cards ... have helped us tremendously during our battle with leukemia,” Barber said. “But this opportunity to give blood has the potential to help lots of children in need, in a very real way.”

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com