Hi, my name is Mitzi and I am raising funds on behalf of my best friend April. After a three year battle with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, she has exhausted all treatment options and is now scheduled for an Allogenic Stem Cell (aka bone marrow) transplant in early December in Kansas City.
This procedure will essentially kill April's immune system and replace it with a new one. She will receive several months worth of chemo in one week's time leading up to the transplant. After the transplant occurs, she will be in the hospital 4-6 weeks. During that time her new immune system (from an anonymous donor) will begin to grow and with that comes immense risk and side effects. Then, for the next 60 days, she must stay within 30 minutes of the hospital with a full-time caregiver.
As you can imagine, this is a high-risk procedure with a very long recovery process. April supports herself, and she will not be able to work for a year. Insurance will cover some of April's salary and medical expenses, but she will still need our help to make up for the loss of income and presence of ongoing and new expenses.
The money we raise for April will go toward:
- Bills: rent/utilities, car payment, groceries
- Medical costs: deductible, out of pocket max, surprise expenses associated with unknown outcomes
- Transportation and Lodging costs
- Mental health: continued telehealth therapy visits since the mental struggle is often the greatest burden
- Wig: April will undergo intense chemotherapy just before her transplant
- Cleaning: Weekly housekeeping - April's home must be sanitized regularly to prevent contamination and illness
- Personal items: while in recovery April will have to replace all personal hygiene items (makeup, shampoo, etc.) to avoid cross contamination from her old immune system.
April has fought this difficult battle against Leukemia for 3 years and has remained strong, determined, and willing to do what it takes to make it through. She's tried every medication and is now faced with the final, most drastic option. She's shown me and so many others what it looks like to make the most of life and be intentional about spending time with the people you love. Every time I see her I feel gratitude, because it's another precious day with my lifelong best friend. If you're able to help support her through this life-saving procedure, we appreciate your donation and/or share on social media so very much.
Sincerely,
Mitzi Starkweather