Maceo's Bone Marrow Transplant

Thank you for taking the time to visit our Go Fund Me.

Just after our son Maceo's 13th birthday, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (pediatric MDS). This is a rare disorder in which his bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.

We think Maceo has probably had this condition his whole life. When he was younger, his symptoms were not as obvious; slowly, they have become noticeably more present over time. Over the last year, his normal activities have become more strenuous and cumbersome. Now, he quickly fatigues and has an almost ever-present headache, dizziness, and stomach ache. Even though this diagnosis isn’t what we wanted to hear, we are grateful to discover the cause of his symptoms.

The only cure for MDS is a bone marrow transplant. Currently, we are in the process of finding a bone marrow donor match and preparing for his transplant sometime in early 2023.

The transplant process will include a 4-6 week stay at Doernbecher's Children’s Hospital. 6-8 weeks of almost daily visits to the hospital after he’s discharged and then frequent appointments for a year post-transplant.

During this time, Maceo will need 24/7 care from Opie and me. We will take time off work to help facilitate his healing journey.

Once Maceo enters the hospital, he will be in strict quarantine for at least six months and

possibly longer. We hope his recovery will take about a year.

Maceo’s overall health is our number one priority, both physical and mental. We have been told one of the most important things we can do during this time is to keep things at home as normal as possible.

We’re setting up this Go Fund Me to help Maceo come home to the life he had before the transplant, and we can make it as easy as possible to be with him through his healing journey.

Asking for money (or help in general) doesn't come naturally to Opie and me, but we’re trying to listen to our community and accept this is something we could use help with if this is a way for y’all to help; thanks in advance. It’s going to take our village.

All funds we raise will help pay for non-paid leave from work, unexpected medical expenses (co-pays/deductibles that our insurance doesn't cover), prescriptions and little things to help Maceo feel as comfortable during his recovery.

From the bottom of our hearts, thanks for taking the time and all the love and support!

Love always wins!

-Grace and Opie

Visit Maceo's Site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maceohileman