My name is Keely, and I am living with essential thrombocythemia, a rare and incurable progressive blood cancer. I was diagnosed on December 24th, 2020, and since then, my symptoms have steadily worsened. Each day brings new challenges—intense bone pain in my legs, debilitating ocular migraines, overwhelming fatigue, numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, and night sweats that leave me drenched. These symptoms make even the simplest tasks feel daunting and have deeply affected my quality of life.

On November 26th, I am beginning the process for a medical trial at Stanford Medicine. This trial is not only a crucial opportunity for me, but also for others who share my diagnosis or may face it in the future. Currently, there are only four medications available to treat essential thrombocythemia, and I have already tried and failed two of them. This new trial offers hope that a new medication might lessen the burden of the disease and reduce its symptoms, potentially paving the way for better treatments for all those affected.

While my insurance will cover most of the trial’s direct costs, I am facing a significant loss of income due to missed work. I have enough sick time for eight days, but the trial and recovery will require much more time away. The support from this fundraiser will help ease my anxiety about finances, allowing me to focus on my health and recovery during this uncertain and challenging period. I am cautiously hopeful for the first time in a long time. Even if this trial doesn’t help me directly, I hope it can be a catalyst for change in the treatment of incurable blood cancers. Your support means the world to me and to everyone who may benefit from advances in research.