Strength in Numbers-Support Demetria's Transplant

Help my wife have a chance at a new life...

Demetria has spent most of her life rallying to help others. She has always been a beacon of hope for others, whether in business or life. From an early age, she understood the importance of community and collective support in achieving goals bigger than herself. She has trained and mentored nearly 100 individuals in the beauty industry, worked with youth programs and organizations, and volunteered within her community.

However, several months ago, we got the shock of our lives. Demetria found herself in need of the exact support she has contributed to others. Our lives were suddenly interrupted on May 24, 2023, when I took her to the ER because of abnormal blood lab results. The doctors uncovered the root of her illness and diagnosed her with a rare blood cancer-Myelofibrosis. This life-threatening disorder affects the blood production in her bone marrow. This condition is so rare that only two out of 200,000 people will ever be affected by this disease. Most of Demetria’s days are filled with medical appointments to keep track of her blood levels. When her levels fall too low, she is given a blood transfusion. These transfusions are essentially preserving her life. To be frank, individuals with this disease could potentially die without a LIFE SAVING BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.

By God’s beautiful design, a donor has been found. We are so excited and thank God every day! The donor is nearly a perfect match for Demetria. The donor’s willingness to help save her life is a heroic act. Demetria now has a second chance at life. And our family gets a second chance at having a wife and mother. What follows next is perhaps the most critical part of her healing journey. Demetria and her caregivers (me and her mother) must travel from Chattanooga to Nashville for the transplant procedure. She will be admitted to the hospital and will receive several days of chemo and radiation to kill off the cancerous cells in her bone marrow. Then, she will receive the new cells from her donor. Once the transplant is complete, the waiting game begins. Her body must accept the new bone marrow and respond positively by generating new healthy cells. This process can take 2-3 weeks, depending on how well her body responds. Next, she and I will be housed at an extended-stay hotel for three months. During that time, she will be closely monitored by her medical team. I will have to take her to daily appointments until certain milestones are achieved.

Right now, we need assistance with out-of-pocket medical expenses, which include medical bills, travel, lodging, gas, medication, and food. She has not been able to work since May 24, 2023, which has significantly impacted our household income. If you have ever been affected by a major illness, then you know the financial burden that comes with it. We are incredibly grateful for the support of friends and family. Without them, we would not have made it this far.

Since starting this journey, Demetria has remained hopeful. We are trusting God to do the seemingly impossible. Even in the face of adversity, she has managed to encourage others. She recently started a donation drive to bring awareness to the community about joining the Be the Match registry. She also created a campaign to bless women going through challenging medical conditions with free inspirational t-shirts.

As you can gather, Demetria’s life work is helping others. Please help her by giving whatever you can towards her transplant expenses. This ugly disease has tried to rob my wife of her destiny, but God! You can help provide Demetria with a second chance. There’s strength in numbers. No amount is too small.

Here are the biggest ways you can support

1. Pray daily for Demetria (we believe in the power of prayer)

2. Give what you can.

3. Share on social media and news outlets (#thrive4life)

4. Email this page to your family and friends

Thank you for being so willing to help. We are all God’s children. Collectively, we can make a difference.