Stem Cell Transplant (Cancer-Leukemia AMML )

Hey friends and family, my name is April Brimmer and I am 37 years old single mother of my 13 year old daughter Aydrian. Those of you that have been with me on this long 12 year health journey, I love and appreciate you. Those that are reading for the first time, thank you for reading.

For those of you that are new to my story, over the last 12 years, I have been diagnosed with 5 auto immune diseases - Lupus , ITP, Sickle Cell , Hypothyroidism, and Fibromyalgia and I have suffered from multiple blood clots. Because of all of these autoimmune diseases, I have been hospitalized for weeks at a time, more times than I can count, which has been extremely challenging not only for me, but more so my daughter, who doesn’t remember her mom not being sick.

In June 2023, I noticed lesions all over my body from arms , legs ,and inside my mouth and throat that made it difficult to eat and even swallow. I went to the hospital because I was in so much pain. Many tests were performed including a bone marrow biopsy.

A short time later, I received a call from my Hematologist, who concluded that I had Acute Leukemia. I started 4 aggressive chemo therapy treatments, which resulted in me being hospitalized for 5 weeks and counting, as I’m still in the hospital as I write this. I am hoping to be discharged for at least a short period of time before starting my next round of chemo, so I can see my daughter who I haven’t seen in over 5 weeks because children are not allowed in the hospital. The doctors say that I will need to return for several weeks again, for another round of chemo as the first round did not destroy all of the Leukemia.

I remain optimistic that the next steps of my treatment plan will include a stem cell transplant. This will require me to find a donor match, which can include a family member or anyone including a match that may not live locally.

If I am able to find a donor match, I am responsible for their room and board, meals, gas, parking, and whatever expenses they may incur that my insurance won’t cover. I am also responsible for paying for whatever part of treatment that my insurance won’t cover for the stem cell transplant, and I’ve been told that the out of pocket expenses for stem cell transplants can range from $15,000 to $75,000.

As most of you know, I never ask for help and I am always the person that would rather give than receive, but at this time, I am unable to cover the cost that is not covered by my insurance. Please know that asking for anything and starting this go fund me was extremely hard for me to do .

I am humbly asking for those that can and are willing to assist me in any way by making any size donation, by sharing my story, or sending a prayer, I will be most grateful and will 1000% pay it forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story… May God continue to bless you!!!