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Gina's Fight Against Leukemia

For the past few weeks, Gina has been under the weather with symptoms her doctor believed to be mono. On Saturday June 24th, the pain in her throat became too unbearable and her husband, Nick took her to the Dublin Ohio Health Hospital Emergency Room.  After taking 17 vials of blood, the doctor's discovered her Platelet count was extremely low and her WBC count was extremely elevated (normal range is 5-10,000, whereas Gina's level was 30,000). This is where my family's whole world flipped upside down. Gina was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Ohio Health was unable to care for her needs and said she needed to be transferred to The James Cancer Center as quickly as possible. Doctor's said had she stayed home one more night, she would have had an increased chance of having a stroke due to her critical levels. Chemotherapy was to begin as soon as she got to the James and estimated time frame to stay was around 3 weeks. After her first chemo pill, they hooked Gina up to 3 different kinds of blood and began the process of tackling this leukemia inside of her.

The next morning we received the update that Gina would need to stay 4-6 weeks in the hospital and that her blast cells were dangerously high and that they needed to work quickly. On June 26th, our family received an update in our group message that they were unsuccessful in getting an IV started and a PICC line needed to be placed. Gina had a fever of 103 degrees and placing the PICC would normally not be a surgery they go forward with in this state but Gina was at such high risk and this was necessary for her. Her breathing was very shallow and a chest x-ray showed that her lungs were surrounded by fluid. Her oxygen saturation fell to 62% and she was placed on a CPAP machine to help her with her breathing. The doctor's said for this type of leukemia, the first week is very scary and Gina will most likely get worse before getting better. Gina had an echo done as well as a bone marrow biopsy. Later last night, her temperature fell to a normal 97.5 degrees and she was sleeping soundly.

This morning on June 27th, we received an update at 5AM saying Gina was moved to the ICU because her lungs were filling up with fluid and her breathing was not good with potential of going on another breathing machine. A few hours ago, Gina was placed on the ventilator where she continues to fight.

For those of you who know Gina, you know she is the most selfless, giving, family oriented person out there. She trusts in our Lord and fully believes in the power of prayer which is why she asked us to share her story to get as many people praying as possible! She is surrounded by a wonderful family. Her husband, Nick has been by her side since the age of 16 and continues to stand by her side through this tough battle. He refuses to leave her side and needs to be with her and is unable to go back to work, he does not have FMLA and only a few sick days left. Being by Gina's side is his number 1 priority and the love he has for her is so apparent during this time. Gina and Nick's children, Nicole and Jason have also stayed right by their mom's side, giving her the support and love she so rightfully deserves.

That being said, this family is also the last to ask for help or financial assistance. We started this gofundme page to take the financial burden off this wonderful family so they can continue to stay by Gina's side without having to worry about anything else. All donations, no matter the amount, help tremendously. And above all I know my Aunt Gina would say she ultimately wants PRAYERS!

We thank you for your support, kindness and gratitude. We will continue to update everyone through this website.

Love,
Gina's Army
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Donations 

  • Patty Hugh, and Family Blackman
    • $100 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Steph Sites
Organizer
Columbus, OH
Nicole Milby
Beneficiary

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