Help Rory beat cancer with urgent transplant

Hello Everyone, 


Rory Putko grew up in Oakworth, Keighley, UK. He moved to Somerville, Victoria in Australia many years ago and despite this distance and his health battles, he’s remained close to his family and friends who appreciate his dry sense of humour. 


Unfortunately, Rory was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma some years ago and has fought and won that battle twice. After his second successful victory over the disease we, his family, hoped he was clear. However, in January 2020 we were devastated to learn that the cancer has returned. Despite intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Rory’s condition is deteriorating, and his Doctors have advised his family that an urgent stem-cell transplant is his best hope to beat this thing.


Thankfully, Rory's sister; Yvette Putko is a perfect stem-cell match and she is more than willing to donate stem cells to save her brother’s life. The only problem is Rory is living in Melbourne in Australia, while Yvette is in the United Kingdom.  Thankfully, The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne have arranged for Yvette to travel to Australia on compassionate grounds with funding from The Anthony Nolan Trust. Yvette will most likely be flown to Sydney to quarantine for 2 weeks (due to Covid-19) and once she’s been cleared, she’ll travel to Melbourne where she will stay with Rory until the day of the surgery.  


Yvette’s stem cells will be harvested from her pelvic bone and given to Rory as soon as possible. Then Rory’s progress will be monitored and assessed to see if another transplant may be required. The hospital has advised her to anticipate a stay in Australia no less than 2 to 3 months.

 
As Yvette will not be able to work in this time, and no other costs will be covered, we are concerned that expenses will mount up very quickly for Yvette and her husband Andrew and cause increased financial hardship after an already difficult year. Although Yvette and Andrew are reluctant to ask for assistance, many of their friends have asked how they can help to relieve some of the burden. 


They are grateful to their wonderful community for creating this place where people can contribute to a fund to allow Yvette to care for her brother without the stress of leaving her husband alone to deal with unpaid bills.


All donations will be gratefully received, and any excess funds will be donated to the Anthony Nolan Trust for stem cell treatment, to help people like Rory and their families to overcome this terrible disease.


We will post updates to keep everyone informed on Rory’s progress and we are thankful for your ongoing support.