Rev. Richard Wright's Bone Marrow Transplant

Richard was a pastor for 30+ years. He was diagnosed in September 2014 with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)/Philadelphia Chromosome (and subsequently retired), an acquired chromosomal defect in which the long arm of chromosome 22 is deleted and attached (translocated) to another chromosome, usually number 9. Clones of cells with this defect cause chronic myeloid leukemia. Since the time of diagnosis, he has taken daily oral chemo medication/targeted kinase inhibitors (TKI), which target/kill those bad cells, but he has never reached remission. His oncologist has recommended he have a bone marrow transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. They have a 12/12 pt. match stem cell donor. Vanderbilt will receive the donor cells on March 29. Pre-admission labs, etc. will be on March 30, insertion of port will be March 31, chemo infusions (to kill his bone marrow) will begin on April 1. We will be living in an apt. in Nashville for 3 mos. following the transplant. We are thankful to God for His care and that there was/is treatment available for this disease and that we have had awesome medical care. "A man's heart devises his way; but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9.