Exciting News: The bone marrow stem cell transplant happened on September 26th and it was a success! I did not know my donor. The only information I received is he is a male in his 20's possible from Germany. How can I thank someone that I don't even know in words for giving me life. He is in my prayers each and every day. I did have some unforeseen problems that had nothing directly to do with the transplant that kept me in the hospital for 8 weeks but through it all I remained positive. I was discharged a couple of days ago under the care of my dear friend Becky who volunteered to be my caregiver for the duration 24/7. This is not an easy assignment as it is a exhausting. But Becky doesn't complain and keeps working hard to be sure I am cared for.

I was hoping to raise more donations to give to Becky as Medicare and supplement insurance does not cover caregivers or facilities even though it is required to have a 24/7 caregiver for the transplant. If you do come across my story and could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

Thank You for reading my story. My name is Mary Jo who once was very healthy, active, worked full time at a job I loved, and my primary doctor every annual exam would say I had blood of a 25 year old. That all changed in May of 2023 when I got COVID. After that I was always tired so I had weekly blood test which showed I was anemic and my blood counts were all messed up. I was referred to an Oncologist who specialized in blood disorders who did a bone marrow biopsy which came out I had MDS. This is a cancer that attacks the new cells that come from the bone marrow, in my case the red blood cells die off prematurely. MDS is a very rare cancer. The oncologist tried two different injections but my blood didn't react to them so there was no improvement. I asked the oncologist my life expectancy in which she said 1-2 years. I am not afraid to die but I would be pretty pissed off as I am finally so very happy in my life. I resigned from my job as my job performance was failing and I was missing a lot of time at the office due to doctor appointments, I was heartbroken. I applied for early social security to pay for some of my monthly expenses. I decided to get a second opinion at Dana Farber in Boston. Thank goodness I made that decision as I have hope, I am getting a stem cell bone marrow transplant mid September from an unknown donor that matches me 100 percent from a donor facility. I now will be able to live a long active life. I had to move to the Boston area to be close to Dana Farber. I rented a small apartment and Uber weekly to Dana Farber. My Stem Cell Specialist Doctor just informed me I need a Caregiver to care for me for 4 months otherwise I can't get transplant. The funds I receive will help me so very much for my medical, caregiver and living expenses. Please give as any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thank You Very Much!