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Join Brandy's Brigade and help her fight back!
Never lose faith and always believe in what you are capable of!
On August 25, 2020, our sister Deputy Sheriff Brandy Mendicino of 16 years with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma (MM), including anemia and lytic bone lesions in multiple areas. Multiple Myeloma has 3 stages. There is no cure for MM, but treatment can bring it into remission.
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cancerous plasma cells weaken bones. The bone marrow contains stem cells. Those stem cells make your body’s blood cells. These cells include red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Without healthy bone marrow and healthy stem cells, your body cannot make the blood cells it needs.
July 31, 2020 - Brandy walked through the doors of the Rose Cancer Center/Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital (ROB), to find out what she was going up against. The month of August consisted of lab tests, a bone marrow biopsy, PET/CT scan, other CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays and additional testing.
Sept 11, 2020 - Brandy began and continuing chemotherapy treatments at the Rose Cancer Center/ROB.
Sept 18, 2020 - Brandy began a plan of action with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in preparation for a stem cell transplant to be performed at the Mayo Clinic. ROB and Mayo Clinic doctors are working in conjunction with each other.
Sept 28, 2020 - Due to the symptoms from the illness itself and the side effects from treatment, Brandy is unable to work and is on disability with a reduced income. There has been a couple of medication and treatment setbacks. These setbacks will add additional appointments, pushing back the transplant.
Dec 2020 - Brandy is currently completing her fourth cycle of Chemotherapy and will continue treatments until adequate blood/lab levels are reached.
What is to come in 2021: Follow-up appointment Jan 27, 2010 at Mayo Clinic in hopes to be at the levels where an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant can be scheduled. Autologous Stem Cell Transplant is when your own stem cells are used for the transplant.
Housing, transportation along with other necessities will be needed during the duration of Brandy’s stay in Rochester, Minnesota. The transplant procedure will be an approximate 6-week long duration. A caregiver is required to stay with Brandy 24 hours a day during the transplant process.
Brandy’s partner Jim has been fighting side-by-side with her. Brandy’s daughter Racquel travels from Sault Ste Marie, MI to care for and support her since the disease entered their lives.
We are hopeful that Brandy’s upbeat personality, commitment to clean eating and physical fitness will help her immensely in her fight to continue to live strong. Brandy has been receiving outstanding support from family, friends and co-workers. This support continues to play a vital role in her journey.
We ask that you flood Brandy with prayers and good vibes. 2020 has been tough for most in some form or fashion; but if you are able to, please consider donating to help relieve the burden of expenses. Every bit helps.
Thank you!
Never lose faith and always believe in what you are capable of!
On August 25, 2020, our sister Deputy Sheriff Brandy Mendicino of 16 years with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma (MM), including anemia and lytic bone lesions in multiple areas. Multiple Myeloma has 3 stages. There is no cure for MM, but treatment can bring it into remission.
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cancerous plasma cells weaken bones. The bone marrow contains stem cells. Those stem cells make your body’s blood cells. These cells include red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Without healthy bone marrow and healthy stem cells, your body cannot make the blood cells it needs.
July 31, 2020 - Brandy walked through the doors of the Rose Cancer Center/Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital (ROB), to find out what she was going up against. The month of August consisted of lab tests, a bone marrow biopsy, PET/CT scan, other CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays and additional testing.
Sept 11, 2020 - Brandy began and continuing chemotherapy treatments at the Rose Cancer Center/ROB.
Sept 18, 2020 - Brandy began a plan of action with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in preparation for a stem cell transplant to be performed at the Mayo Clinic. ROB and Mayo Clinic doctors are working in conjunction with each other.
Sept 28, 2020 - Due to the symptoms from the illness itself and the side effects from treatment, Brandy is unable to work and is on disability with a reduced income. There has been a couple of medication and treatment setbacks. These setbacks will add additional appointments, pushing back the transplant.
Dec 2020 - Brandy is currently completing her fourth cycle of Chemotherapy and will continue treatments until adequate blood/lab levels are reached.
What is to come in 2021: Follow-up appointment Jan 27, 2010 at Mayo Clinic in hopes to be at the levels where an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant can be scheduled. Autologous Stem Cell Transplant is when your own stem cells are used for the transplant.
Housing, transportation along with other necessities will be needed during the duration of Brandy’s stay in Rochester, Minnesota. The transplant procedure will be an approximate 6-week long duration. A caregiver is required to stay with Brandy 24 hours a day during the transplant process.
Brandy’s partner Jim has been fighting side-by-side with her. Brandy’s daughter Racquel travels from Sault Ste Marie, MI to care for and support her since the disease entered their lives.
We are hopeful that Brandy’s upbeat personality, commitment to clean eating and physical fitness will help her immensely in her fight to continue to live strong. Brandy has been receiving outstanding support from family, friends and co-workers. This support continues to play a vital role in her journey.
We ask that you flood Brandy with prayers and good vibes. 2020 has been tough for most in some form or fashion; but if you are able to, please consider donating to help relieve the burden of expenses. Every bit helps.
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandy Mendicino
Beneficiary