HELENA (AP) -- Bette Bohlinger, the wife of Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, has been diagnosed with acute leukemia for the second time and is awaiting a bone-marrow transplant, the governor's office said Saturday.

Mrs. Bohlinger's first diagnosis was a year ago, shortly before her husband took office in January.

After a period in which the disease was considered in remission, tests again revealed acute leukemia, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The disease is a type of cancer.

Mrs. Bohlinger expects to begin the process for a bone-marrow transplant at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center when a donor with compatible marrow is found.

''We are people of faith,'' the lieutenant governor said. ''We thank the people of Montana for all their support and ask them to keep us in their thoughts and prayers as we go through this trying time.''

Schweitzer said that he, his family and staff ''are here to support John, Bette and their family during this difficult time.''

The governor, his wife, Nancy and about 20 members of his staff have registered to participate in the National Marrow Donor Program.

''Cancer is a battle too many Montanans fight,'' Schweitzer said. ''By becoming a member of the National Marrow Donor Program, we are giving hope to Bette and so many others.''

Acute leukemia starts from white blood cells in the bone marrow, according to the American Cancer Society. It can move into the blood quickly and spread to other parts of the body.

After her diagnosis in late 2004, Mrs. Bohlinger underwent treatment that included chemotherapy at a Billings hospital.

On the Web: www.marrow.org.