Imagine being told your child needed treatment, but you had to come up with $24,000 before doctors would proceed.

That’s what doctors at MD Anderson in Houston have told the family of Bailey Byrd.

Byrd, who will turn 23 next month, is battling juvenile granulose cell tumor, a rare form of ovarian cancer, and needs a stem cell transplant to save her life.

In true Covington County fashion, Christy Sasser, mother of Cooper Sasser, who has battled leukemia since 2011, stepped up to the plate and has organized a fundraiser to allow locals and others to send Byrd love and support, while helping raise the $24,000 needed for the transplant.

“We are asking that everyone please put $1 in a birthday card for Bailey,” Sasser said. “She takes treatment at MD Anderson and will be going in August to start her stem cell transplant, which will require a four-to-six-month hospital stay.”

Byrd has Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, but it only pays a percentage of her medical bills.

So far, $5,000 has been raised to help pay for the stem cell transplant, Sasser said.

“Every dollar counts and will help save Bailey’s life,” she said. “Please share with your church groups, your organizations, friends and family, and help us to reach our $24,000 goal.”

Sasser said Byrd’s birthday is Aug. 20, but they are asking that everyone send their dollar and card by Aug. 1.

“It doesn’t take a lot,” she said. “It takes a lot of people doing a little. I know people have their own struggles, but this is a way everyone can help.”

Anyone interested in sending Byrd a card and helping her receive the needed transplant, should use the following address: P.O. Box 863, Andalusia, AL 36420.