Former Butler center Andrew Smith has returned to the hospital as he awaits a bone marrow transplant.
Smith has been battling lymphoma for two years now, and the hope is that the transplant will be enough to save his life. The 6-foot-11 Smith overcame a life-threatening heart attack more than a year ago and, at one point, was declared cancer-free before the disease returned with a vengeance earlier this year.
The procedure that Smith is prepping for is risky, which is why his wife, Samantha, launched a social media campaign to try and lift her husband’s spirits.
The requirements?
Take a picture wearing Butler colors and post it on Facebook or twitter with the hashtag #AndrewSmithStrong. A lot of well-known faces got in on the act:
We are thinking of Andrew 2day! #AndrewSmithStrong pic.twitter.com/iT5QbEOFE8
— Chris Holtmann (@ChrisHoltmann) October 29, 2015
Wearing blue and praying for Andrew Smith and his wife @Samantha44Smith .. LETS GO ANDREW #andrewsmithstrong pic.twitter.com/Qi4TdyvRJq
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) October 29, 2015
Of course I'm not worried, I'm a #Bulldog, and so is Andrew Smith. You've got this, buddy! #AndrewSmithStrong pic.twitter.com/mcumZwmsfp
— Butler Blue III (@ButlerBlue3) October 29, 2015
Looking forward to getting you back to Hinkle soon. Thoughts with you and Sam. #AndrewSmithStrong pic.twitter.com/YBXWrts3Pv
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) October 29, 2015
Join me in lifting up Andrew "Moose" Smith in prayer. @Samantha44Smith #andrewsmithstrong pic.twitter.com/xEVQ9Q962L
— Barry Collier (@BUADCollier) October 29, 2015
We love the big fella. Praying for you guys @Samantha44Smith that all goes well! #andrewsmithstrong pic.twitter.com/Bd7daLfKEx
— Matt Howard (@MHoward54) October 29, 2015