Robert O'Brien - Memorial Fund

Please support the O’Brien’s during Bob’s fight against MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome).

On November 29th, 2016 Bob was hospitalized for low blood counts (red, white and platelets found as a result of routine blood work) and after a bone marrow biopsy; was subsequently diagnosed with MDS. They were informed on January 24th, 2017 that in Bob's case a Stem Cell Transplant is the best and only course of treatment for him that could result in a possible cure in addition to chemotherapy and blood infusion support. Without this transplant, the prognosis is not good. His survival rate without the transplant is 10%. A donor search is in the beginning stages through the universal donor program through Be The Match.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of cancers in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells, which results in inability to fight infection and potentially fatal bleeding.

MDS is often referred to as a “bone marrow failure disorder”. The bone marrow functions as a factory that manufactures three kinds of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Healthy bone marrow produces immature blood cells — called stem cells, progenitor cells, or blasts — that normally develop into mature, fully functional red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In MDS, these stem cells may not mature and may accumulate in the bone marrow or they may have a shortened life span, resulting in fewer than normal mature blood cells in the circulation.

During a bone marrow stem cell transplant, defective blood cells/marrow are eliminated using chemotherapy and/or radiation. Then the abnormal bone marrow stem cells are replaced with healthy, donated cells.

Donations will be used to help fund living expenses and medical expenses not covered by insurance incurred while Bob is out of work in the hospital for 4-6 weeks and recovering for up to 12 months post transplant and for his wife, as his primary  caregiver, who will also have to take a leave of absence from her job during a large part of that time.

We here as Bob’s co-workers like so many other dear friends and family want to help in any way we can. Any positive and loving support is very much appreciated.  All of the donations go directly to support his recovery.  Any excess funds will be donated to the MDS Foundation -  https://www.mds-foundation.org/ or to the Be The Match https://bethematch.org/

Please keep Bob and his wife, Wendy in your thoughts and prayers!