My mother Peggy (Ciccolini) Bargo was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. AML with her specific gene mutation, KMT2A, is historically linked to unfavorable outcomes. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for her and our family, filled with a long hospital stay, chemotherapy treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with this disease.

After rushing to the emergency room at Mt. Nittany for severe intermittent back pain, it was discovered that her red blood cell and platelet counts were critically low. Two blood transfusions and four long days later, the biopsy confirmed that it was cancer. She was immediately transferred to Hershey Medical Center for further evaluation and to develop a treatment plan. Various oncologists specializing in leukemia treatment prescribed four rounds of intensive chemotherapy and oral therapy over the next six months. While the chemotherapy is taking effect, she will be given up to 4 blood transfusions a week at Lewistown Hospital and travel to Hershey for weekly checkups. Following the induction will be a stem cell transplant, which requires 24/7 nursing over a three-month recovery period. The first round of treatment will conclude tomorrow, and she will be coming home in hopes of some normalcy over the coming weeks. This will be a long journey and fight, but for anyone that knows Peggy, she will overcome this.

In these moments of hardship, we are asking our friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals to extend their thoughts and prayers. If able, we also ask for your generous donations to help alleviate some of the financial stress and ensure that my mother can continue receiving the best possible care. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound impact on our ability to support her during this challenging time.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for taking the time to read this message and for any support you can provide. Together, we hope to navigate through this storm and emerge stronger on the other side.