Fayette friends of David and Deborah Staats report that

David's bone marrow transplant apparently has been successful, but

the lengthy testing process will determine whether the family is

reunited in the Atlanta area for Christmas.

Deborah is an accountant in the office of Fayetteville

pediatrician Dr. John Potts, and many Fayette friends and churches have

joined in an effort to meet the huge expenses for the family. David

left the hospital Oct. 14, according to Betty Goza, in good spirits

and with hopeful signs.

Deborah writes:

"A very special thank you from the Staats family in our

fight against leukemia in Seattle.

"We are so thankful to the many of you who have given us

support emotionally as well as financially. Your cards, prayers and

money have truly blessed our lives. We know there is a purpose in

everything and we thank God for all things. We felt prepared ... but

we never imagined the obstacles we would face."

The family plans to be home for Christmas, but where they

will be remains to be seen, Goza says. Their Riverdale home still has

not sold, and they had been counting on the proceeds to meet some

of the estimated $300,000 in expenses for which there is no

insurance coverage. Lodging alone for them will cost $12,550, and a

local fund for the family now has just over $8,000.

The family's address is Hampton Inn, Suite 348, 700 5th

Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. Donations may be sent to

First Citizens Bank, P.O. Box 219, Fayetteville, GA 30214,

attention Susan Stallings.

Deborah concludes, "God bless you all. We believe with

God's help the girls (their three daughters) will have a very

special Christmas present their Dad."

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