A Lawrence County man has undergone a stem cell transplant and now his family in Mercer County is holding a fund-raiser to help with his medical expenses.

Sam Swartz, New Castle, was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago and was told several months ago that a stem cell transplant was his only hope for survival.

No matches were found on a national registry but Swartz's cousin, Lori Bible of Hermitage, was a match. Initially Swartz's insurance company would not pay for the transplant, then reversed its decision. He underwent the transplant Aug. 21 at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. However the insurance company will not pay for many of the expenses associated with the transplant.

A spaghetti dinner, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Hickory VFW, 5550 E. State St., Hermitage.

A fund has been set up for Swartz at First National Bank of Pennsylvania under the Samuel Swartz Donation Fund, Attention Carol L. Swartz, 7 W. State St., Sharon 16146.

Tickets to the dinner may be purchased at Hickory VFW or from Steve Bible at State Farm Insurance, 161 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage.