Several months ago, we told you about an Eastern Kentucky boy who was battling Leukemia and trying to find a bone marrow donor before it was too late. Finally, a match was found, and after receiving treatment at both UK and Cincinnati Children's Hospitals, the Elkhorn City boy returned home.

Elkhorn City officials escorted 10-year-old Kyle Smith in to town. He is finally back at home after months of Leukemia treatment. Elkhorn City Councilman Mike Taylor, who organized many of the bone marrow drives for Kyle, says the whole town was waiting. "Everybody's in the street in Elkhorn just waiting for him to come home because everybody's happy for him; that he's well now and able to come home," Taylor says.

Many waiting for his return say they admire Kyle's strength. Hid great uncle, James Ratliff, says, "He's been a good guy. He's been a brave little boy, really." Abby Fraley, a friend of Kyle's, says, "He's a really sweet boy. He's one of the funniest people I've ever met. He can make anyone happy at any time."

When asked what's the first thing he'd do now that he's home, that sense of humor was obvious. Kyle says, "I can't narrow it down. That's very hard!" Kyle's mom, though, says she has plenty of plans now that the family is back in the mountains.
Shelly Smith says, "I'll be able to see people, visit people, and just be comfortable. It's going to be great." She says there are more challenges to come--with home health care and getting into a new routine--but she's still very thankful.

"If it wasn't for the donor, Kyle wouldn't be here. He wouldn't be home," Shelly says. The bone marrow donor can remain anonymous, so Kyle may never know who saved his life. After Kyle received the successful bone marrow transplant, he stayed in the hospital for 100 days before returning home.