Shelly: Stem Cell Transplant

My name is Shelly, and I am a single mother of one. That's my son in the picture. I was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis in 2010. Symptoms from this form of bone marrow cancer have caused my spleen to be enlarged (splenomegaly ) to the size of a football, and had to be removed in 2010. Now, my second blood filter, my liver, is enlarged as well.

Some of the symptoms of myelofibrosis are;
- Feeling tired, weak or short of breath, usually because of anemia
- Easy bruising,
- Easy bleeding,
- Excessive sweating during sleep (night sweats),
- Fever,
- Painful bones and joints.

Myelofibrosis can lead to hardening of your bone marrow and inflammation of the connective tissue that is found around the bones. This may cause bone and joint pain, Acute leukemia.

Some people with myelofibrosis eventually develop acute myelogenous leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer that progresses rapidly.

I will be going to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in July to August 2018 (4 to 6 weeks) for chemotherapy ,
radiation , and a bone marrow transplant .

I have been waiting for more than two years for a donor, and I have finally found a match. My doctor has informed my that, if left untreated, my condition will develop into leukemia or liver failure, which are both possibly fatal outcomes.

I am in need of funds to supplement my lost income, help pay for bills, groceries, etcetera.

I will have to stay at the Princess Margaret Lodge for up to 2 months which is not covered under healthcare and will need to be paid for out of my pocket. My son and sister will also be taking time off of work to stay with me as an attendant is required.

It would be amazing to see my son grow, get married, and see my grandchildren.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much, and I will keep this page updated as my procedure progresses.