On New Years Eve we received a call from Loralai's doctor requesting that we drive to Spokane, WA for additional blood tests. We didn't know at the time just how life altering that call would be. She was immediately admitted and scheduled for a surgery to place a double lumen catheter (central line that provides an easier method for her to be given medication and have blood taken) and a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. 

During the last 4 months she has spent more time inpatient or having procedures than she has at home. We have been given three different diagnosis, while this was frustrating, they all result in the same curative treatment, a bone marrow transplant in Seattle. Due to the rising amount of Covid-19 cases in our near proximity it was decided that she would have monthly chemotherapy until it was safe to travel. Unfortunately, a few weeks after her first round of chemotherapy Loralai's spleen had greatly enlarged to 19 cm.   

When Loralai's spleen enlarged this was a game changer, our family was originally told it would take about a month to organize the transplant. However, her diagnosis was changed to Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia. This type of leukemia usually affects 4 out of 1 million people in the US, and 9/10 of those people are over the age of 60. We were told that we would need to be in Seattle in less than 2 weeks, April 23rd. 

Because the world is in the midst of a pandemic we were also informed we could not stay at the Ronald McDonald House (free housing) across from the hospital in the weeks leading up to her being admitted on May 11th. We were not expecting all of this so soon, and we were still not prepared. We will be required to live in Seattle for 100 days after the transplant and need to travel to appointments daily. 

If you choose to donate to Loralai's BMT fund the money will be used for medical bills, travel expenses, chemo cravings, and entertainment for Loralai while she is confined during transplant. Thank you so much for all of your positive thoughts, prayers, and kind words.