Anthony Brown's AML Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Strangers,

In February 2024, Anthony underwent a bone marrow transplant that brought us hope for his recovery from AML, a very aggressive form of Leukemia. However, despite steady progress after the transplant and three months of improvement, in August 2024, we received the devastating news that the transplant had failed. Since then, Anthony has been undergoing treatment and has restarted chemotherapy to prepare for a second attempt at a bone marrow transplant.

Anthony’s Journey So Far

October 2023: Anthony was diagnosed with AML.

February 2024: Anthony’s initial bone marrow transplant took place.

March - April 2024: Engraftment and intensive clinic treatments began.

May - July 2024: There was a steady recovery period, where we saw improvement and believed we were on the right path.

August 2024: Diagnostic testing revealed that the transplant had failed. Unfortunately, the engraftment process didn’t succeed as hoped and Anthony restarted immediate treatment and chemotherapy to prepare for a possible second bone marrow transplant.

September - October 2024

Ongoing treatment continues — weekly infusions of blood and platelets, a round of chemotherapy, infection prevention drugs, and disease management and monitoring. November 2024

Several minor setbacks and infections have occurred resulting in a short hospital stay due to an infected port. They have identified several bone marrow donors and preparations for a second bone marrow transplant are underway. Current projections for the transplant are for early January 2025.

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Throughout this journey, the love, support, and generosity of our community have helped Anthony and his family navigate an overwhelming time, allowing them to focus on Anthony’s health. Through 37 previous GoFundMe donations and additional private contributions, the family raised close to their original GoFundMe goal of $24,000. This support helped get Anthony and Dee Dee through the first phase of this battle. Now, we are asking for your help again as they face the next difficult chapter.

Why Your Help Is Needed Now

Anthony has been unable to work since October 2023, leaving them with reduced monthly income while medical and living expenses have increased. Although Anthony started receiving Social Security in the spring of 2024, it amounts to only half of his former salary. The previous GoFundMe campaign and personal contributions from loved ones allowed the family to manage through April 2024. Since May, they have been dipping into their savings to make ends meet every month.

Now, with Anthony’s treatment restarting and Dee Dee needing to take more time off from work (having used nearly all of her paid leave to assist Anthony through the initial transplant), their financial situation has become much more strained. Their current monthly shortfall is approximately $1,400.

What Your Support Will Do

With a projected timeline of 6-8 months for this next phase of treatment and a potential second bone marrow transplant, we are aiming to raise between $8,400 and $11,200 to cover essential expenses and monthly bills during this time.

These Funds Will Help Cover:

• Monthly bills — mortgage, insurance, car note, utilities, gas, etc.

• Living expenses during Anthony’s recovery

• Medical bills and expenses not covered by insurance

• Travel and accommodation for treatment (if needed)

Your donations will make a tangible difference in Anthony and DeeDee's ability to focus on Anthony’s health without the constant stress of financial uncertainty.

We are deeply grateful for all of the love and support that our community has already given them on this long and difficult journey. Whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign you are helping. We will be eternally grateful for any support you can offer them as they continue forward into Anthony’s next phase of treatment.