Support Craig's Urgent Bone Marrow Transplant

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you that Craig is awaiting a Bone Marrow Transplant. Craig recently met with a team of specialists at The Massey Cancer Center at VCU. Together, their ace team have decided on a bone marrow transplant asap. Craig is told it’s either Aplastic anemia or Hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (hMDS). They apparently look the same under the microscope. The transplant doctor is doing more testing. He said when the original testing is done it’s like looking at 100,000 cells at a time. The testing that he can do at the cancer center is like looking at 100 million cells at a time. This will give him a definitive answer. and hopes to have the transplant within the next 4-6 weeks.

The transplant process has started, they need to get a donor asap and prepare for the transplant. Craig is now waiting for a donor match, Jay (his brother) is being tested. The doctor is hoping to do the transplant within the next 1-2 months. If successful, this is a 12-18 months process of healing and stabilizing. Obviously he will not be able to work during that time.

Craig has taught elementary physical education for 26 years and the last 21 years for inner city Richmond City Public Schools.

While this treatment will kick his butt for up to 18 months, we are looking at this in a positive light in that the treatment will fight with a vengeance.

We know that you join in prayer and wish to do something to take away the pain. This is new for the entire family. Craig and the family wanted to reach out individually to each of you, but they realize they must stay focused on Craig's care and treatment.

The greatest gift you can give at this time is to help the family center their energies on Craig's health. He will need 24/7 care following the transplant

A powerful way to help is to send positive energy and thoughts to the family.

We will post updates when possible on this site, and you can send your love, thoughts and messages to Craig and the entire family on this platform--each of your messages will be read and treasured.

Craig's spirit is strong (and stubborn as all get out) and he will be/is fighting like a champ, after all he has practice raising a newly teenage girl right? The Dupont family holds incredible solace in knowing how many people love them deeply and feel your support, no matter where you are in this world.

Team Craig is comprised of every one of us, and we will update the community that embraces Craig and his family through CaringBridge.

we invite you to share your favorite photos and stories to make Craig laugh (we know there are a lot of laughable moments to share about Craig).

With a whole heart,

Team Craig