Dana's Tripp
Hello friends. Thank you for taking the time to read about "Dana's Tripp."
I first learned of Dana Tripp's upcoming battle with Aplastic Anemia when her Mom, Anne Coppens Tripp, posted the following on Facebook.
"Best news ever! BOTH of her siblings are marrow matches for Dana. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Proof positive!"
Update 5/13/14 (in part): "First, graduate from college 5/25! Middlebury has been wonderfully supportive and she will get her degree in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry. Then, she will be admitted to Brigham & Women's June 6 and start her chemo to prepare her for receiving Forrest's marrow. He will donate on 6/12. The doctors felt he was a closer match due to his younger age and they said there would be less chance of graft vs. host disease with him. We're thinking right now she will be in the hospital for a few weeks to a month. Finally, she will have to stay quite isolated for a year and so we are finding her an apartment nearby. (Its not in her best interest to have her in an old farmhouse with one bathroom etc.) There will be strict guidelines for limited visitors (mask, gloves) and she can't go to any public places or use public transportation for a year. No movies, restaurants etc." "I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming! We feel very positive that this is just a detour from her plans and everything will work out fine."
It was then time to step into action. To help a family who has done an amazing job raising three children, who taught them the importance of family and community, and who give of themselves every day to make a difference.
In speaking with Anne this evening I learned more about Dana than I already knew, which was that she is a vibrant young lady with an infectious smile, a wonderful gift to make others laugh and a bright future. Anne shared that Dana has a gift with children who envelope her at family gatherings. She enjoys running having completed her first half marathon last year. She also enjoys theater, field hockey, biking and hiking. Her plans to go to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine will be put on hold for a year. She strives to live a healthy life and even managed to get her father to buy kale chips (not an easy task I undertand if you know Joel). Anne also shared that it is important to Dana to pay it forward and promote the bone marrow match program. For more information, the link is provided below.
http://bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-bone-marrow/join-the-marrow-registry/
As stated in Anne's 5/13/14 post, this new challenge is simply a temporary detour. As a neighbor and friend of the family, I humbly ask you to help Dana along this trip. Whether it be a positive thought, a prayer lifted or a monetary donation...it all makes a difference. YOU make a difference!
Thank you for your support, and God Bless!!!
Amy Johnson
North Saco, Maine
