Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a malignant aplastic anemia-related disease that is actually a cancer of blood cells.  It is also known as pre-leukemia.  For 19 months, I was treated with many different medications, had 72 blood transfusions and had taken part in several experimental research studies that were marginally successful in maintaining my quality of life. Despite all efforts, my blood turned toxic and the white cells were killing both the foreign blood-donor cells and my short supply of my own cells. In short, my body was attacking itself and I was out of treatment options.

My only hope was a Bone Marrow Transplant  in which healthy stem cells from my sister Denise, (who was a perfect antigen match) were transfused into my bone marrow. The chance for survival was estimated at 70% and recovery could take 1-2 years.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle,WA is the leading BMT research center for MDS as well as other types of cancer.  Along with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), also located in Seattle, my family and I chose to have the BMT there.  All my doctors concurred that this was the best place to receive treatment under these grave circumstances. The likelihood of things going awry was certain, and quick decisions were immediately made to ensure success. 

My family and I traveled to Seattle in January, 2006 to begin the lengthy process of a BMT.  My husband and children could not stay with me, so my mother-in-law graciously volunteered to be my care-giver. My new birthday is February 23rd.  It took over 5 months before I was able to return home to my family in Atlanta.  Even though there was much pain and sickness involved, the time away from them was hardest to endure.  What a joyous time of celebration to see them again.

In addition to the risks involved, a Bone Marrow/ Stem Cell Transplant  is quite expensive. MDS is not a well-known cancer.  The objective of the Lisa Cares Foundation is to aid others with MDS.  It was quite overwhelming to see so many people suffering, especially young children.  Many tubes are inserted into the chest to receive medication; No one has hair; Everyone is sick in some form or another; The grief level is quite high.  To see a small child or infant in this fatal situation is obviously very disconcerting.  Our hearts go out to each individual and their families.

Now it's time to do your part.  Giving blood is the easiest way to help others.  Seek out blood drives.  If you see a mobile blood vehicle, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and stop.  The National Bone Marrow Registry was created in 1970 and allows a person to donate marrow.  This process takes a bit  longer, but it is well worth it knowing you helped save a precious  life.  That's worth it, don't you think?  Be a hero.  Be a donor.

 

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a malignant aplastic anemia-related disease that is actually a cancer of blood cells.  It is also known as pre-leukemia.  For 19 months, I was treated with many different medications, had 72 blood transfusions and had taken part in several experimental research studies that were marginally successful in maintaining my quality of life. Despite all efforts, my blood turned toxic and the white cells were killing both the foreign blood-donor cells and my short supply of my own cells. In short, my body was attacking itself and I was out of treatment options.

My only hope was a Bone Marrow Transplant  in which healthy stem cells from my sister Denise, (who was a perfect antigen match) were transfused into my bone marrow. The chance for survival was estimated at 70% and recovery could take 1-2 years.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle,WA is the leading BMT research center for MDS as well as other types of cancer.  Along with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), also located in Seattle, my family and I chose to have the BMT there.  All my doctors concurred that this was the best place to receive treatment under these grave circumstances. The likelihood of things going awry was certain, and quick decisions were immediately made to ensure success. 

My family and I traveled to Seattle in January, 2006 to begin the lengthy process of a BMT.  My husband and children could not stay with me, so my mother-in-law graciously volunteered to be my care-giver. My new birthday is February 23rd.  It took over 5 months before I was able to return home to my family in Atlanta.  Even though there was much pain and sickness involved, the time away from them was hardest to endure.  What a joyous time of celebration to see them again.

In addition to the risks involved, a Bone Marrow/ Stem Cell Transplant  is quite expensive. MDS is not a well-known cancer.  The objective of the Lisa Cares Foundation is to aid others with MDS.  It was quite overwhelming to see so many people suffering, especially young children.  Many tubes are inserted into the chest to receive medication; No one has hair; Everyone is sick in some form or another; The grief level is quite high.  To see a small child or infant in this fatal situation is obviously very disconcerting.  Our hearts go out to each individual and their families.

Now it's time to do your part.  Giving blood is the easiest way to help others.  Seek out blood drives.  If you see a mobile blood vehicle, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and stop.  The National Bone Marrow Registry was created in 1970 and allows a person to donate marrow.  This process takes a bit  longer, but it is well worth it knowing you helped save a precious  life.  That's worth it, don't you think?  Be a hero.  Be a donor.