Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in December of 2020. I went through six treatments from January 2021 to June 2021. The treatments were a series of shots for seven days at the beginning of the month. In July 2021, I was approved for my stem cell transplant at The James Cancer Center, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I had my stem cell transplant on July 29. I handled the stem cell transplant very well and was declared in complete remission from the months of September to November 2021. In December, I had another bone marrow biopsy and discovered I was now diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I reached out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for information on this disease, and the organization provided great resources.

I began my treatment at The James on December 27 with infusions and an oral chemo drug. I will start my second round of treatments on February 7, 2022, at a local cancer center.

I was surprised to be the recipient of the LLS and Subaru Loves to Care program as I received a very nice comforter. I also donate monthly to LLS.

I am having problems getting help with drug expenses; however, I look at it as if there are other people who have a greater need than me. I will plug ahead until I can defeat this disease, and I am in complete remission. I will survive!