Brandon's fight against MDS!!
Donation protected
Brandon was born at 24 weeks weighing 1 pound 10 ounces and was the only surviving triplet so he is already our miracle...our hero!!! Even with his challenges (Cerebral Palsy, autism and visual impairment) Brandon amazes us every day. He is so strong, caring, smart and funny!!
On October 7, 2016, we learned that Brandon was about to go through another battle...cancer! He went for routine blood work for his 18 year physical. A week later we found out that Brandon has MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome with 7q deletion), a form of blood cancer. We prepared for a bone marrow transplant that was supposed to start in February 2017. The day before Brandon was going to be admitted we got a phone call saying his most recent biopsy results showed some improvement so they wanted to cancel his transplant and monitor him for a while before preceding with treatment. Brandon was closely monitored for a little over a year as his blood levels continued to decline to very dangerous levels. His most recent biopsy has shown that his MDS is progressing and it is time to move forward with cancer treatment. We are so thankful that we were given this time, but it is time to get Brandon the care he needs before his MDS progresses to (AML) leukemia and reduces his success and survival rates.
He beat the odds once and we know he will kick cancer's butt!! He is the strongest person we know!!
Even with Brandon's very medically fragile start in life he appeared to be a very healthy child and teenager. He had not had blood work since he was very young so we have no idea when Brandon's cancer started or how fast it would progress. From our experience we encourage you to ask for occasional routine blood work for your child if they don't get it and to be aware of signs and symptoms of cancer. Brandon had bruises that he didn't know what happened and petechiae but we just assumed it was due to his other special needs. Having a history would have helped his doctors better understand his situation. Luckily I asked for the blood work and he was diagnosed before his cancer progressed to leukemia.
Funds raised will be used to pay travel, lodging and expenses that arise during Brandon's cancer treatment and recovery. Brandon will be admitted for the first 5-7 weeks of his treatment while we drive back and forth to Tallahassee to help take care of Brandon's little brother and sister and our home. Their Grandparent's will be caring for the littles while still maintaining their home and lives. After Brandon is released we have to stay in hospital mandated housing close to Shands ($1700/month) for several months. At that time he will be able to move back home with frequent trips back to Shands as he recovers. During this time of treatment and recovery Brandon's immune system will be severely compromised and he will not be allowed to be around his brother and sister or in public places.
Thank you for your support!!
On October 7, 2016, we learned that Brandon was about to go through another battle...cancer! He went for routine blood work for his 18 year physical. A week later we found out that Brandon has MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome with 7q deletion), a form of blood cancer. We prepared for a bone marrow transplant that was supposed to start in February 2017. The day before Brandon was going to be admitted we got a phone call saying his most recent biopsy results showed some improvement so they wanted to cancel his transplant and monitor him for a while before preceding with treatment. Brandon was closely monitored for a little over a year as his blood levels continued to decline to very dangerous levels. His most recent biopsy has shown that his MDS is progressing and it is time to move forward with cancer treatment. We are so thankful that we were given this time, but it is time to get Brandon the care he needs before his MDS progresses to (AML) leukemia and reduces his success and survival rates.
He beat the odds once and we know he will kick cancer's butt!! He is the strongest person we know!!
Even with Brandon's very medically fragile start in life he appeared to be a very healthy child and teenager. He had not had blood work since he was very young so we have no idea when Brandon's cancer started or how fast it would progress. From our experience we encourage you to ask for occasional routine blood work for your child if they don't get it and to be aware of signs and symptoms of cancer. Brandon had bruises that he didn't know what happened and petechiae but we just assumed it was due to his other special needs. Having a history would have helped his doctors better understand his situation. Luckily I asked for the blood work and he was diagnosed before his cancer progressed to leukemia.
Funds raised will be used to pay travel, lodging and expenses that arise during Brandon's cancer treatment and recovery. Brandon will be admitted for the first 5-7 weeks of his treatment while we drive back and forth to Tallahassee to help take care of Brandon's little brother and sister and our home. Their Grandparent's will be caring for the littles while still maintaining their home and lives. After Brandon is released we have to stay in hospital mandated housing close to Shands ($1700/month) for several months. At that time he will be able to move back home with frequent trips back to Shands as he recovers. During this time of treatment and recovery Brandon's immune system will be severely compromised and he will not be allowed to be around his brother and sister or in public places.
Thank you for your support!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Sherri Dirmann
Organizer
Tallahassee, FL
Chris Dirmann
Beneficiary
