A Cure for Kate

I am honored to tell you about the Macfarlane Family and why they are so deserving of our love and support.

Kate Macfarlane was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in August of 2021. Aplastic anemia (AA) is bone marrow failure; Kate’s bone marrow stopped producing blood cells: red, white and platelet cells. Aplastic anemia can be caused by genetics, but Kate’s genetic tests are all normal, so she is one of the lucky 2 in 1 million that got this disease for no known reason. For the last two years, Kate has lived on blood transfusions every month to keep her alive. She’s endured 22 transfusions! Blood transfusions are very high in iron and multiple transfusions can cause iron build up in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis. Recently, Kate was diagnosed with iron overload, so blood transfusions have become dangerous to her liver, and she can no longer rely on transfusions long term.

There are two main treatments for AA, one is immune suppression treatment and the other is bone marrow transplant. Kate did immune suppression treatment for a year and saw no improvement. Only 50% of people respond to immune suppression.

Because Kate can no longer receive transfusions, the only option for her is to have a bone marrow transplant. Kate’s younger sister, Leah, agreed to be tested and we learned that she is a 100% perfect match for Kate. Only 25% of siblings are a match, so we felt so grateful that we have a match, and that Leah is willing to donate. As soon as Kate completes her iron chelation (a medicine that reduces the iron in her liver) she will undergo a transplant. We are hoping to have the transplant in October 2023 and are praying for no complications in the work up process for both Kate and Leah.

Bone marrow transplant requires a 30 day hospital stay, and 100 day isolation as Kate’s body regrows her bone marrow and immune system. Kate will have to do chemotherapy and full body radiation to clear her bones of the remaining bone marrow to make room for the new marrow from Leah. Leah will also have to do surgery to remove the stem cells in her marrow to donate to Kate and have a 2-3 week recovery period. Kate's parents, Jill and Justin, do have insurance, but it does not cover all the costs associated with this medical treatment nor does it cover the secondary costs that will come with a 30 day hospital stay, leave at work, etc.

The radiation Kate requires will result in infertility. One of the biggest uncovered costs is egg retrieval and storage so that Kate can have a family one day.

If you know Kate, you love Kate. She has the kindest soul, and the purest heart. Kate is just starting her junior year at Murray High School, and has been involved in dance, tennis, and making everyone's life a bit brighter; she will be sorely missed while she undergoes this lengthy treatment. She doesn't complain about what she is going through, and just smiles and says, "I'm fine!" Leah is just as easy to love, and is a real life super hero, willing to undergo so much to literally save her sister's life. Justin and Jill have always worked hard to provide and take care of their family, in the next year they will be doing that on many more levels. This is going to be a long and arduous process, and will be a financial, emotional, mental, and physical burden on their family.

We would truly appreciate a donation of any amount, as it will help and make an enormous difference. Thank you for your time, consideration, love, thoughts, and prayers on behalf of Kate and her family!

Kate and Leah Mac, We've Got your Back!

Venmo : @Jillkmac