Inspirational Stories

Our Matthew was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in August 2015 at the age of 12. He relapsed with ALL in December 2016 and underwent his first bone marrow transplant in February 2017 with marrow from an anonymous male donor from New Jersey.

In January 2019, he was diagnosed with mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). He underwent his second bone marrow transplant in February 2019 with marrow from his first donor's twin brother. Our two families have become very close since we were able to meet after the first transplant.

In August 2020, Matthew was diagnosed for the fourth time with leukemia. This time acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He received his third bone marrow transplant in October 2020, this time from an anonymous female donor from Mexico. We have since met her through social media and consider her a part of our family as well.

After his third bone marrow transplant, Matthew has suffered some complications such as thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), ischemic stroke, and avascular necrosis. Despite those setbacks, he is currently doing well.

Since August 2015, Matthew has fought three different leukemias four times. He has received 771 chemotherapy doses from 19 different chemotherapy drugs.

Throughout it all, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been a foundation of his treatments with information, financial, and moral support, as well as the gift of the many friendships we've formed with LLS staff in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thank you, LLS, for being a light in our darkest moments.

Story submitted by family member.