LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT) - Dozens of people showed support for Lenoir City's first lady, who is in need of a bone marrow transplant.

A drive was held today to help find a match for Brenda Aikens, the wife of Mayor Tony Aikens.

Hundreds came out to Highland Park Baptist Church, filled out some paperwork, and had a swab done on their inner cheek.

It's an effort to help Brenda, who is battling Myeoldysplastic Syndrome, or MDS.

Brenda's daughter, Rebecca, says the help is overwhelming.

"Tremendous outpouring you will not find better people than here in Lenoir City. They are just great. A lot of people from Knoxville, who heard it from you all were able to come, and just wanted to be a donor," said Rebecca Carroll. "It's hard. But we have a lot of faith. And that's what's getting us through.this."

Mrs. Aikens was not able to make it to today's drive. Carroll says her mom is taking things one day at a time.

The event raised nearly $9,000 in donations. All that money goes to the Cooperative Appalachian Mayor Project, which helps people fighting the illness in east Tennessee.