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HOLLADAY — Cars filled an LDS church parking lot in Holladay late Sunday afternoon. That might not seem out of the ordinary, but the visitors didn't come for a service — they came for a test.
The cultural hall became a clinic where friends of the Eskelson family and strangers queued for cheek swabs to determine if they were a bone marrow match for Farley Ekelson.
"I figured that if I'm the one who can save a life, it's worth that thirty minute drive from Layton, so I figured I might as well come and give it a chance," Layton resident Thomas Brewer.
Eskelson, who has a rare form of blood cancer, myelofibrosis, needs a bone marrow transplant. No family members matched and there were no matches at the Huntsman Cancer Institute bone marrow bank.
I figured that if I'm the one who can save a life.
–potential donor
Hundreds showed up Sunday to help and see if they are a match.
"I'm not at all surprised that so many people want to help him out because he is just a quality individual, someone who would be here to help somebody else in a similar circumstance," said family friend Kate Bradshaw.
This is perhaps a 1 in 200,000 chance that a match will be found, and time is not on Eskelson's side.
"I just appreciate the help," Eskelson said "So, everyone that can help, can save the life of somebody."
His family is quite moved by all of the offers of prayers and support.
"The amazing love that we have been surrounded with due to that is very touching," said Lori Eskelson.
The size of the crowd surprised the Eskelsons and they said it gave them hope that there will be a match for Farley and others.
"I just thought even if there's somebody else I don't know who I could help, I'm happy to do it," said friend Karen Wilkinson.
