Our friend Cindi, who is also a loving sister, daughter and mother, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL.) She learned this on August 17th.  This is her story.

Cindi discovered her illness as a result of doing something to help people she will never know - by giving the gift of life. In early August, she donated blood just as she does 4-6 times a year, every year. (She’s donated over 5.5 gallons in her adult lifetime!)  At the time she felt fine, and all of her pre-donation screenings normal.

Usually she would have minor symptoms after a donation. She always felt a little sluggish and would have a low grade headache. Her heart would race climbing steps. Within 5-6 days she’d be back to her old self and forget about it until the next time she donated.
This time, however, she never returned to “normal” self. She continued feeling winded and began to have unexplained bruising everywhere.  Then her gums began to bleed. 

She was really hoping for this to be a passing thing, but decided it was best to go a local Urgentcare center just in case. They ordered blood-work. Upon seeing the results they immediately sent her to the ER where she was given a blood transfusion and two platelet transfusions. She was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, August 13th. Four days later she received the diagnosis of ALL.

She expects be transferred to another hospital to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Without insurance the estimated out-of-pocket cost to her is $200,000+ for the next 1-1.5 years of treatment.

We are all praying for her recovery. Her fiancé, her teenage daughter, her parents, sister and extended family are joining forces to help her win this battle. She is feeling strong and ready to hit this head-on. The medical bills will be a challenge, but we can help to lighten the load and help her to focus on her recovery. Please help if you can.