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What started out with what was supposed to be a simple tooth extraction back in September, ended with devastating news. On September 17, 2019, our loved one, Leonard Evaristo Ramirez, was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML). AML is an aggressive form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
His hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Samuel Friedman requested for a STAT referral to University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California. He & my mom, Doris, flew out to CA on September 20th for his induction chemotherapy. Norris doctors informed them, that because of the type of AML he’s been diagnosed with, Len will ultimately need to undergo a stem-cell transplant if and when he gets into remission.
After his induction chemo, he was cleared by the Norris medical team to fly back home to Guam and continue his chemo treatments. They arrived home on November 1st. On November 4th Len & mom, met with Dr. Friedman to start the consolidated chemo regimen. A bone marrow biopsy was performed that day and they were informed the cancer had come back with a vengeance and Len had to return to California right away. He and his brother, Uncle Edward, flew out the following morning.
Len returned to Norris and immediately started his consolidated chemotherapy regimen. After this cycle, he received numerous transfusions and had several bone marrow biopsies. On January 15, 2020, remission had been achieved. Praise God. This meant finding a donor so he could proceed to transplant. Once again, Norris doctors cleared him to come home until transplant. This was good news for everyone, more so for Len, because he was extremely home sick and wanted to come home even if only for a little while. However, all the hematologists/oncologists on Guam, strongly recommended and were adamant he remain in California until transplant, due to the unreliable blood/platelet supply at our local blood bank here. This was a huge disappointment for Len and for all of us.
On January 29th, we received good news - a donor match was found. Praise be to God. The next few weeks consisted of various testings in preparation for transplant.
Len was admitted to Norris on February 28th, where he is currently undergoing high dose chemotherapy and radiation treatments to rid his body of any residual cancer cells prior to transplant. If everything continues as the medical team has planned out, the actual transplant will take place in the coming week. The time after transplant is crucial. We pray that his body does not reject the new stem-cells, and all goes well. After a 3-week recovery period, he will be discharged and will remain an outpatient for a minimum of 3 months.
The last 6 months have been difficult, and there is still a long road ahead. Therefore, we are extending this GoFundMe campaign to ask for your support to help Len during this difficult time. All donations will be greatly appreciated. And even if you are not able to donate, please take the time to share this campaign. Let us continue to keep Len in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank You, Si Yu'us Ma'ase and God Bless.
His hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Samuel Friedman requested for a STAT referral to University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California. He & my mom, Doris, flew out to CA on September 20th for his induction chemotherapy. Norris doctors informed them, that because of the type of AML he’s been diagnosed with, Len will ultimately need to undergo a stem-cell transplant if and when he gets into remission.
After his induction chemo, he was cleared by the Norris medical team to fly back home to Guam and continue his chemo treatments. They arrived home on November 1st. On November 4th Len & mom, met with Dr. Friedman to start the consolidated chemo regimen. A bone marrow biopsy was performed that day and they were informed the cancer had come back with a vengeance and Len had to return to California right away. He and his brother, Uncle Edward, flew out the following morning.
Len returned to Norris and immediately started his consolidated chemotherapy regimen. After this cycle, he received numerous transfusions and had several bone marrow biopsies. On January 15, 2020, remission had been achieved. Praise God. This meant finding a donor so he could proceed to transplant. Once again, Norris doctors cleared him to come home until transplant. This was good news for everyone, more so for Len, because he was extremely home sick and wanted to come home even if only for a little while. However, all the hematologists/oncologists on Guam, strongly recommended and were adamant he remain in California until transplant, due to the unreliable blood/platelet supply at our local blood bank here. This was a huge disappointment for Len and for all of us.
On January 29th, we received good news - a donor match was found. Praise be to God. The next few weeks consisted of various testings in preparation for transplant.
Len was admitted to Norris on February 28th, where he is currently undergoing high dose chemotherapy and radiation treatments to rid his body of any residual cancer cells prior to transplant. If everything continues as the medical team has planned out, the actual transplant will take place in the coming week. The time after transplant is crucial. We pray that his body does not reject the new stem-cells, and all goes well. After a 3-week recovery period, he will be discharged and will remain an outpatient for a minimum of 3 months.
The last 6 months have been difficult, and there is still a long road ahead. Therefore, we are extending this GoFundMe campaign to ask for your support to help Len during this difficult time. All donations will be greatly appreciated. And even if you are not able to donate, please take the time to share this campaign. Let us continue to keep Len in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank You, Si Yu'us Ma'ase and God Bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Leonard Ramirez
Beneficiary