It hasn't been an easy few months for Taylor Matt. The 17-year-old high school student is undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Upstate Golisano Children's hospital for an aggressive form of Leukemia. But chemo isn't a cure, and a bone marrow match could be a fix, but because of Taylor's Native American heritage it isn't easy to find one.
Now, there's a new push to find a match: a public service announcement featuring grammy award winning artist Joanne Shenandoah, who is a member of the Oneida Nation. "She's really helped me out a ton and it's nice to get someone who is a voice in the community," says Taylor.
In one week, the online video has been watched hundreds of times. Calls asking how to help are pouring into the Bill Pomeroy foundation, which helped produce the PSA. "Hawaii, Alaska. I got an email from someone in Taiwan. We have been invited to do a bone marrow drive at a pow-wow in Kansas city," says Paula Miller, with the Bill Pomeroy Foundation.
Even with all the attention, Taylor says she's not alone, and there are countless others who need a match just like her. Taylor says. "I keep hearing that all these people keep calling in and logging online and specifically mentioning my name and its like why do I stand out, why do you wanna help me?"
Taylor will remain at Golisano Children's Hospital even after her chemotherapy is finished so her immune system can rebuild itself. She hopes to walk across the stage and receive her high school diploma in June.
