Daves Path to Recovery

Hi everyone,

My name is Hadley Pellegrino, and I’m writing this in hopes of raising money for my Godfather David Bloniarz's medical expenses. There aren’t enough words to describe the kind of man Dave is. He has been a father figure in my life since I was born, and he has been there for me and my siblings through every happy, sad, and challenging time. He has never once let us down.

Before being diagnosed with cancer, Dave was a professor at UMASS Amherst and worked for the US Forestry Department. He mentored many students at UMASS and gave them the opportunity to learn about forestry through the nonprofit organization, ReGreen Springfield. After the tornadoes in Springfield, Dave wanted to help make the city green again by planting trees. He started ReGreen Springfield to inform people about the importance of trees and to replant those lost in the tornado.

Not only did Dave dedicate his life to forestry, but he also photographed numerous events in Springfield. He was well-known among students in the area because he photographed many sports events, which is a hobby he loves. Dave has always enjoyed hiking, tree planting, and anything outdoors, and he has met many people through these hobbies.

A few years ago, Dave began experiencing symptoms and decided to seek medical advice. After blood work and testing, he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. After multiple doctor's appointments and second opinions, he was advised that the best treatment would be a stem cell transplant. He decided that this was the best course of action in order to live a longer life. After 4-5 months of taking chemotherapy pills at home, Dave was scheduled for his stem cell transplant in May 2025. Before the transplant, he underwent intense chemotherapy in the hospital. After the transplant, it was discovered that his blood cells weren’t increasing as expected, and there was a scare that the transplant might need to be redone. Prayers were answered, though, as his blood cells began to increase properly a few days later.

Dave was supposed to recover from the transplant in a facility outside Boston, but he developed many complications. He was admitted to the hospital and has now been there for 45 days. Of those 45 days in the hospital , 16 were spent in the ICU intubated and sedated to help battle infections caused by his weakened immune system. These complications were unexpected, but Dave is continuing to fight through them. The long-term hospital stay was not anticipated, but he is pushing through, and we are doing everything we can to support him.

This journey has brought many unexpected expenses, including hospital stays, caretakers traveling from Springfield to Boston, post-transplant in-home support, and rehab. His home also needed to be disinfected, renovated, and thoroughly cleaned for when he returns, due to his weakened immune system. Dave has had multiple caretakers who have spent countless hours by his side, communicating with his family about his condition. He still has a long and uncertain road ahead in his recovery, and we hope to raise money to help cover these expenses.

If you know Dave, you know that he is kind-hearted, down-to-earth, and would do anything for anyone. He has the biggest heart and deserves to fight through this and come out stronger on the other side. If you are reading this, please keep him in your prayers. Help us bring Dave home and get him back to the outdoors where he loves to be!