Diego's Fight Against Leukemia

As of November 8, 2018, our good friend Diego Hernandez has been diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and started chemotherapy treatment at The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

B-ALL is a fast-growing type of blood cancer in which too many immature white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and blood. It is the most common type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). No cause was found when he was diagnosed. Factors range from age, ethnicity, decreases in white blood cell and platelet count, and chromosome mutations. 

During mid-October, Diego started experiencing sharp pain in his legs as well as unexplained episodes of uncontrollable vomiting. Shortly after, he was at work when he became nauseous and experienced these symptoms again. He had to be rushed to the hospital where he received multiple blood transfusions. He was hospitalized for a week while doctors were trying to figure out why he was not improving. After blood test results came out, he was told the devastating news that he has B-ALL and immediately began recommended chemotherapy treatment that will last 5-6 weeks and maintenance treatment for the next 2 years.

As of the first week (Nov 8, 2018), he is undergoing the induction phase of his chemotherapy which will continue for the next 5-6 weeks. He'll be enduring side effects of his therapy such as hair loss, nausea and pain during this period and will be unable to leave the hospital.

Your generous donation will go towards:

1. Facility Expenses:
The operations involved in chemotherapy (medications, transfusions, transplants, antibiotic prophylaxis) will be costly. Diego is currently uninsured so donations of any amount will help.

2. Family:
Diego's family will be taking time off of work to assist him on a day-to-day basis. Your donation will help ease their burden on food and bills for them as well as help them take care of themselves.

3. Fertility:
The negative effects of chemotherapy will cause Diego to lose fertility during the operations, but he has the option to preserve his sperm. However, that comes at very high price for storage of his sample. Donations will also contribute to helping him be able to have a family in the future.

4. Future:
Diego, like most B-ALL patients, will have complications in the future after treatment. He will undergo maintenance therapy for the next two years after he is released from the hospital and resting at home.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read his story and for helping to spread the word. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. 

Funds will be transferred directly to Diego's bank account. If you have any questions or advice, please feel free to leave a message below or email us at [email redacted]. We will be continually updating Diego's progress on this page and social media.

Thank you,
John Le
Keli Chau