My Story: Healing from Acute Myeloid Leukemia

On December 12, 2022, a loving mother of 3 and wife to her devoted husband, Forest, Anneka Willis Hugley was diagnosed with COVID. After some time, she began experiencing discomfort in her right ear and throat, which ultimately led to swollen lymph nodes. Anneka used wisdom and decided to get checked out again after receiving medication that showed no signs of working. Shortly after, other concerning symptoms surfaced and Anneka proceeded with another appointment at a local urgent care. This time, the unimaginable happened- she discovered that her red and white blood cells and platelets were extremely low, resulting in her being transferred to St. Vincent hospital in Birmingham, AL. to receive a blood transfusion. The next steps involved Anneka having lots of strength and prayer as Dr's tested her for various things. After several hours of awaiting results, Anneka received life-changing news- she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow with excess immature white blood cells) and was told she would be transferred again, but to UAB this time. She has been at UAB since January 24, 2023 and has received several blood transfusions. She also started chemo (idarubicin & cytarabine) and her immune system is completely compromised. Anneka's treatments are ongoing; however, once she's in remission, she will also need a bone marrow transplant. With that being said, Anneka and her family need our help. As of now, she is expected to remain in the hospital for several more weeks. Overall, treatment is anticipated until July 2023. During this time, she has been and will continue to be without work. At this time, anything that you donate will help cover the costs of medical bills, travel expenses for her family to and from the hospital, food/groceries for their home and personal toiletries for Anneka to help make her comfortable as possible during her journey of healing. Ultimately, aside from monetary donations, Anneka needs your prayers. Thus far, she is in good spirits and believes that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is healing her of leukemia here on earth. If you will, please stand in agreement and support Anneka in any way that you can. No gesture is too small! Thank you in advance for your love and support.

The Willis-Hugley Family