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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