Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

We have a co-worker and friend who is going through a very difficult time in her life, and we would like to reach out to her work family and anyone else who could help her out in any way possible. I have worked alongside Angela for the last 3 years and have become very close with her. She is very passionate about her job, as well as her friends and family. Angela is the type of person who will help anyone in need, and now that she is going through this difficult time in her life, we would like to help her in any way possible. Please continue reading below about her diagnosis and how this go fund me will help contribute to the cost of her treatment.

As some of you might already know, my mother, Angela Whitaker, was recently diagnosed with a medical disease called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), also commonly referred to as “Preleukemia”. This is a condition that occurs when blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become mutated or abnormal. These abnormalities cause the blood to be deficient in one or more types of healthy blood cells, leading to medical complications and symptoms. There are various treatments available to manage these symptoms, however, the only true “cure” is a bone marrow transplant, which is a very invasive and impactful procedure.

At this point, some of you may be wondering what caused this condition to appear. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent several medical treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. Throughout these procedures, my mom showed much strength and maintained a tremendously positive attitude, and, in 2008, she overcame the cancer. It was a great triumph, and we, as her family, are so proud of her courage and have been inspired by her every day.

I share this history with you, not only to express how greatly I admire my mother, but also to explain what lead to the disease she is now battling. One of the primary causes of MDS is exposure to chemicals, most commonly those introduced via cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. There have been times recently, that I find it difficult to accept this fact, but I remind myself that the same treatments that caused the MDS, once saved her life. It is a very unfortunate circumstance we now find ourselves in, but we are all just so grateful for the time it has given us. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. And I also believe that the greatest challenges are given to those most capable of overcoming them. This capability, in part, comes from the strength and love lent by others. I know that, with all of our support, my mother is one of those people who can, and will, endure.

During this treatment and healing process for my mother, our family will be faced with various expenses, including initial treatments, transplants, recovery stay, extended leave from work, commuting to facilities, and lodging.

We ask for your support during these challenging times. Please know that any form of support is appreciated, whether it is monetary, well-wishes, prayers or, simply, cheerful conversation in the office. Any, and all forms would go a long way.

Eric T. Whitaker