Support for Bob Donohue's Bone Marrow Transplant

Our dad, Bob Donohue (or as some of us affectionately call him Papa Don) has been fearlessly fighting a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for the last 7 months. In the last month, we have learned that in order for him to continue fighting this battle, he will need a bone marrow transplant in the beginning of 2023 once we find a bone marrow match. While it feels unimaginable that we are here, we are also ready to begin wrapping our support around our favorite guy. His kids would like to invite his community of friends and family to join us.

For those who might not be aware, it was discovered that he was neutropenic last April after routine bloodwork. Neutropenia is when there is a lack of a particular white blood cell that fights infection and viruses. It was an immediate indicator that something was seriously wrong, and within a few days, our deepest fears were confirmed. It was AML. Two days later, he began his first round of chemotherapy.

It has been astounding to see our parent’s strength over this past year. Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a very aggressive leukemia, so there has not been any hesitation from the moment of diagnosis. Dad has been through 3 rounds of chemotherapy and an extended hospital stay due to a serious infection. Our mom has been an absolute rockstar, taking on the role of lead caregiver and tracker of all things to keep him safe and comfortable. And through it all, our Dad has maintained his excellent sense of humor and a fighting spirit. One that has fought hard to get back to spending time with our mom, Connie, and his kids - myself, Bobby, Sean and Kevin – our partners Boone, Robin, Emma and Sheridan (and soon to be a few grandkids in the mix!).

Please help us spread the word. There are significant costs associated with a bone marrow transplant that are not covered by insurance. Notably, short-term rental costs as our parents will have to move to Los Angeles to be near UCLA for 3-5 months. That said, more than anything, support of any kind would do wonders for the spirit. If you cannot give, we are also happy to receive prayers from afar or cards that we can share with him to show him how much his community cares about his recovery. You can send cards to his son Kevin’s home at 332 Penn Street, #1, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Next steps include taking maintenance chemotherapy and immunotherapy to keep him in remission through the holidays. Once a bone marrow match is confirmed, a date will be scheduled. Then, Dad will be admitted to the hospital for a full course of high-strength chemotherapy, quickly followed by the transplant. This will mean at least a month's stay at UCLA’s hospital. Subsequently, he will need to be nearby the hospital and in isolation for at least 100 days for monitoring of symptoms, infection or GVHD and allow time for his immune system to “regrow.”

Thank you for taking the time to read about our favorite guy and show your support, in whatever way that looks for you. “The Dons” sure appreciate how special it is to have a community full of so much love.