Help Sue Mahard's Fight Against Leukemia
Donation protected
In October 2018, my life-long friend, Susan Spangenberg-Mahard, was diagnosed suddenly with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. She is a loving mother to Tyler and Becky, sister to Lisa and Peter, aunt to Andy and Katie Spangenberg and Chris and Dave Oakes, and friend to many.
Upon her diagnosis, Sue was immediately hospitalized at UT Southwest Hospital in Dallas, TX (where she was living) and began receiving intense chemotherapy in preparation of a bone marrow transplant. Her side effects from the chemotherapy ranged from exhaustion, nausea, severe headaches, stomach complications, and pneumonia.
After 30 days in the Dallas hospital, Sue was transferred to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC to be closer to her family and friends for love and support. Upon arrival at Sloan, she received more chemotherapy while family and friends were tested for bone marrow compatibility. Fortunately, her older brother, Peter, was the perfect match! The family gathered at Sloan the day of the transplant with hopes and prayers for a successful procedure. More chemotherapy was given after the transplant along with more severe side effects. After two months at Sloan, to make sure Sue’s blood counts leveled, she transferred to Hope Lodge, an American Cancer Society housing facility so she could remain close to Sloan in case she rejected the bone marrow. Two additional months of monitoring, traveling back and forth to Sloan before being released and relocating to Oxford, CT to live with her sister and brother-in-law.
Sue has incurred a tremendous financial hardship during this battle, along with the physical, mental, and emotional toll the transplant, side effects, and chemotherapy inflicted upon her. Sue is a true inspiration and is determined to beat this horrific disease.
Ironically, Sue worked for St. Vincent’s Medical center as an oncology liaison for SWIM Across the Sound, Sue helped patients and families access resources to help aid in their struggle against cancer. Sue has also worked as an elderly caregiver providing around the clock loving care. Due to her leukemia, Sadly, Sue had to leave behind her American Airlines job in Dallas, working with the flight attendant training team, which she so loved.
Sue goes to Sloan Kettering twice weekly for follow-up blood work and to make certain she is not rejecting the bone marrow. She has no immune system at this point in time, which limits her daily activities. She can not work, can not be in crowds and has an extremely low energy level.
At this difficult time, Sue is in need of financial assistance as she faces mounting costs related to the cancer treatment, lost wages, travel, housing (Sue needs to find a rental apartment soon), and other living expenses (i.e. having her car and belongings shipped from Dallas). If you are able to help out, any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your love, faith, and generosity. I know Sue will be deeply touched and forever grateful.
Lauren Kali
Upon her diagnosis, Sue was immediately hospitalized at UT Southwest Hospital in Dallas, TX (where she was living) and began receiving intense chemotherapy in preparation of a bone marrow transplant. Her side effects from the chemotherapy ranged from exhaustion, nausea, severe headaches, stomach complications, and pneumonia.
After 30 days in the Dallas hospital, Sue was transferred to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC to be closer to her family and friends for love and support. Upon arrival at Sloan, she received more chemotherapy while family and friends were tested for bone marrow compatibility. Fortunately, her older brother, Peter, was the perfect match! The family gathered at Sloan the day of the transplant with hopes and prayers for a successful procedure. More chemotherapy was given after the transplant along with more severe side effects. After two months at Sloan, to make sure Sue’s blood counts leveled, she transferred to Hope Lodge, an American Cancer Society housing facility so she could remain close to Sloan in case she rejected the bone marrow. Two additional months of monitoring, traveling back and forth to Sloan before being released and relocating to Oxford, CT to live with her sister and brother-in-law.
Sue has incurred a tremendous financial hardship during this battle, along with the physical, mental, and emotional toll the transplant, side effects, and chemotherapy inflicted upon her. Sue is a true inspiration and is determined to beat this horrific disease.
Ironically, Sue worked for St. Vincent’s Medical center as an oncology liaison for SWIM Across the Sound, Sue helped patients and families access resources to help aid in their struggle against cancer. Sue has also worked as an elderly caregiver providing around the clock loving care. Due to her leukemia, Sadly, Sue had to leave behind her American Airlines job in Dallas, working with the flight attendant training team, which she so loved.
Sue goes to Sloan Kettering twice weekly for follow-up blood work and to make certain she is not rejecting the bone marrow. She has no immune system at this point in time, which limits her daily activities. She can not work, can not be in crowds and has an extremely low energy level.
At this difficult time, Sue is in need of financial assistance as she faces mounting costs related to the cancer treatment, lost wages, travel, housing (Sue needs to find a rental apartment soon), and other living expenses (i.e. having her car and belongings shipped from Dallas). If you are able to help out, any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your love, faith, and generosity. I know Sue will be deeply touched and forever grateful.
Lauren Kali
Organizer and beneficiary
Lauren Buday-Kali
Organizer
Milford, CT
Susan Mahard
Beneficiary