I have shared with you that the Leukemia has relapsed, but I have not shared the treatment plan. Long story short, I will need a stem cell transplant. Step one is to have chemotherapy for 8 weeks, undergo another biopsy, and once in remission, undergo a stem cell transplant.
Due to the fact that my sister has passed from Cancer, my parents do not meet the requirements, and there are no other close family members that qualify, I will have to undergo a ‘unrelated donor stem cell transplant’.
For a few days after my relapse diagnosis, I was depressed and numb, wondering ‘Why?’. I have come to the realization that my purpose now is to raise awareness, and build up the number of donors in the registry.
There are more than one registry, and all are searched when physicians are searching for a donor, but the largest is Be The Match. There is information on exclusion criteria, the process of donating, etc., but I will share some basic details: Ages 18-44 are preferred and register for free. Ages 45-60 pay $100 to register. The medical costs are covered by the donor/donors insurance.
Don’t meet the criteria? No problem, because you can share this post, call your friends and encourage them to register, call your family members and encourage them to register, tell your fellow PTO members and encourage them to register, or even work with Be The Match and see how to hold a drive/fundraiser.
The most important fact: you can save MY life or a child’s life, or a college student’s life, or a dad’s life, or a teacher’s life, or a firefighter’s life.
Joanne Ivins says
Sending healing thoughts your way. Wishing you a comfortable journey with your treatment, and the kismet for that donor match.