Benton residents are mobilizing to help a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Brian Tarvin, 52, was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and urgently needs a stem‑cell donor. His family and friends describe him as a tireless worker who enjoys fishing, hunting and riding his tractor. When he’s not on the job or in the woods, Brian is happiest spending time with his wife, children and three grandsons — with another grandchild on the way.

To support him, a free donor‑registration drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mid‑Town Mechanical Services, 1218 W. South Street in Benton.

Volunteers will collect cheek‑swab samples and register potential donors to see if they match Brian or other patients in need. Organizers note that the process is simple and painless; joining the bone‑marrow registry begins with “a simple cheek swab to provide a sample of your DNA”. Participants will be added to the national registry and may be contacted if they prove to be a match for Brian or another patient.

Family says Brian has “the heart of a child, the humor of a full‑time jokester, and a spirit that draws people in.” He has been a longtime employee of Gunner Tile and a devoted family man. Organizers hope a broad community turnout will increase the chances of finding a compatible donor. Brian’s supporters have dubbed the campaign #TarvinsArmy and are urging anyone who is able to attend.

Community members who can’t attend can still join the donor registry online through organizations like Be The Match or DKMS. For more information about the local drive, contact Mid‑Town Mechanical Services. In the season of giving, organizers say, a simple cheek swab could provide the best Christmas gift ever.

See MySaline’s full list of events in Saline County, at… www.mysaline.com/events.

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