This Medical Fundraiser is for my sister, Kelly Porter Dugger. There have been many struggles this past year; medically and physically. Kelly is a fighter and continues this fight.

Kelly has written a bio below. Thank you for taking the time to read.

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Last year, my health began to take a downward turn. I was recovering from a stomach virus and presumed that I was extremely exhausted. Then, I began experiencing upper respiratory problems and urinary tract infections. Even though I was treated with antibiotics, the symptoms continued to worsen. In a very short time, I was unable to breathe, move or eat, and I was in intense pain.

I was rushed to TMH emergency, where my hemoglobin and white blood counts were so low that I was considered “non-life sustaining” – the scariest moment ever. A preliminary diagnosis of leukemia was made, but the doctors were not able to determine what specific type (there are so many.) As a result, I was immediately transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital located in Jacksonville. After in-depth testing, I was officially diagnosed with “Acute Myeloid Leukemia” (AML).

AML is a cancer of the blood cells – which is the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and the blood. The abnormal cells interfere with normal cell production, and my type of genetics is exceedingly rare. (My transplant doctor compared my mutation as “being struck by lightning”). While chemotherapy was the initial treatment, it was not a long-term, viable option because leukemia can return. Therefore, a potential bone marrow transplant was the best opportunity to increase my odds. After multiple rounds of treatment, my marrow transplant was finally performed on January 23rd. It was graciously given to me by an anonymous marrow donor.

Following the transplant procedure, you are hospitalized as an in-patient for at least 30 days. Then, you must live within 30 minutes of the hospital grounds for another 60-70 days as an outpatient. This is a total of about 100 days living away from home. To say the least, this has been a difficult and stressful journey. The emotional and financial toll on my family and friends has been enormous, because during the post-transplant period, I have required a 24/7 caregiver. Additionally, the transplant recuperation process is grueling, and it affects every aspect of your physical and mental well-being.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis changes everything, and your life will never be the same. The lives of your loved ones do not go unchanged either. There are no guarantees, and there is always the looming possibility of rejection or worse, a relapse. The bone marrow transplant has saved my life.

I am forever grateful to my family and friends, who have sacrificed everything for me. But without God, I could never survive this journey, as my faith is the foundation for my healing. I pray that my body accepts the transplant, and I can look forward to returning to normal life. I am thankful for the outpouring of love from my community. It has not gone unnoticed. Prayer is extremely powerful, and I ask for your continued prayers.

Sincerely,

Kelly Porter Dugger

CASHAPP: $KellyPorterDugger

VENMO: @KellyPorter-Dugger

For checks, there is a local account @ Capital City Bank in Crawfordville (KELLY PORTER DUGGER)

Please see Amy Geiger with any questions.

Thank you so much for your time, love and consideration during this time.

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Anyone that would like to send a card or letter:

Kelly Porter Dugger

Patient—Hope Lodge 

Room 1 

4583 Worrall Way 

Jacksonville, FL 32224