Awaiting Bone Marrow Transplant
Donation protected
I changed my name to Darth Vader, so you know that this is really me. Changing my name gave me a sense of control over my life and I thought is was pretty cool too :) Here's my story:
In 2002, I had blood work as a follow-up to recent surgery and was surprisingly diagnosed. After further testing I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocytosis, Myeoloproliferative Disorder and Myelofibrosis. In short, I had…leukemia.
After learning this news, I immediately started chemotherapy. I went through 15 rounds of chemotherapy sessions over a 3-month period and endured six bone marrow biopsies and countless blood draws.
I am a 14-year cancer survivor that has to live with long term side-effects of the chemotherapy treatments, which include memory loss, fatigue, permanent hair loss, chronic headaches and emotional stress. All of which have taken a significant toll on my immunity, heart and mind.
I strive to maintain an active lifestyle by working out and participating in race events, mud runs and other fitness events. I have completed 50+ 5K races, 49+ Tough Mudders, 33+ half marathons, 3 marathons and a triathlon. They represent a reminder for me that dedication, sacrifice and hard work are inspirational to others. But more importantly, I draw inspiration from participating with others. I don't just participate for myself, but for those who want to, are unable and for those who never will. I try to represent tremendous inspiration for others and exemplify the motto “never quit and never give up.” I refuse to let leukemia define who I am. My daughter serves as my personal inspiration. Additionally, I draw strength from others racers alongside who similarly do not allow a disease or disability to define who they are.
Currently, I'm an outpatient at Strong Memorial's Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY and is on the bone marrow transplant list at Seattle's Puget Sound VA Hospital in Washington. I have over 60 matches within the Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, but insurance limitations and red tape prevents hme from meeting financial demands for this transplant. Insurance premiums for coverage are so high that it is impossible for a person who earns average income to handle a monthly deductible that helps cover costs. The current medical system in the United States today puts people at risk of dying before they can receive a lifesaving procedure because they cannot afford the services it would take to save their lives. The cost of $50,000 will cover current, near future and past due expenses that have occurred during the last 10+ years. The bone marrow transplant will cost $160,000. I do not have family or a safety net to help cover these costs, so I'm asking for the kindness and charity of others to help save my life.
If you'd like to contact me personally with any questions, well wishes or support; feel free to contact me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/founder.director
Thank you.
In 2002, I had blood work as a follow-up to recent surgery and was surprisingly diagnosed. After further testing I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocytosis, Myeoloproliferative Disorder and Myelofibrosis. In short, I had…leukemia.
After learning this news, I immediately started chemotherapy. I went through 15 rounds of chemotherapy sessions over a 3-month period and endured six bone marrow biopsies and countless blood draws.
I am a 14-year cancer survivor that has to live with long term side-effects of the chemotherapy treatments, which include memory loss, fatigue, permanent hair loss, chronic headaches and emotional stress. All of which have taken a significant toll on my immunity, heart and mind.
I strive to maintain an active lifestyle by working out and participating in race events, mud runs and other fitness events. I have completed 50+ 5K races, 49+ Tough Mudders, 33+ half marathons, 3 marathons and a triathlon. They represent a reminder for me that dedication, sacrifice and hard work are inspirational to others. But more importantly, I draw inspiration from participating with others. I don't just participate for myself, but for those who want to, are unable and for those who never will. I try to represent tremendous inspiration for others and exemplify the motto “never quit and never give up.” I refuse to let leukemia define who I am. My daughter serves as my personal inspiration. Additionally, I draw strength from others racers alongside who similarly do not allow a disease or disability to define who they are.
Currently, I'm an outpatient at Strong Memorial's Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY and is on the bone marrow transplant list at Seattle's Puget Sound VA Hospital in Washington. I have over 60 matches within the Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, but insurance limitations and red tape prevents hme from meeting financial demands for this transplant. Insurance premiums for coverage are so high that it is impossible for a person who earns average income to handle a monthly deductible that helps cover costs. The current medical system in the United States today puts people at risk of dying before they can receive a lifesaving procedure because they cannot afford the services it would take to save their lives. The cost of $50,000 will cover current, near future and past due expenses that have occurred during the last 10+ years. The bone marrow transplant will cost $160,000. I do not have family or a safety net to help cover these costs, so I'm asking for the kindness and charity of others to help save my life.
If you'd like to contact me personally with any questions, well wishes or support; feel free to contact me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/founder.director
Thank you.
Organizer
Darth Vader
Organizer
Canandaigua, NY
