UPDATE!! Today, September 30th is Cell Day, my new birthday! I responded well to chemotherapy this summer at Swedish in Seattle, and was ready to move on to transplant process in August. My care was transferred to the Fred Hutch team in South Lake Union Seattle. I had 3 weeks of treatment and pre-transplant testing at Fred Hutch in Seattle. Everything looked good under the hood, so to speak, so I’m ready for the bone marrow transplant. And that day is TODAY. When I started this journey, we didn’t know how this would play out or if I would be eligible for a transplant. But I made it, and I have an amazing 28-yr old match. New stem cells coming by way of SeaTac tonight. After the transplant, which luckily like a blood infusion and *not* surgery - I will be closely monitored at UW Medical Center for the next couple/few weeks. At which time, I will be able to go home and continue outpatient care. I will need caregivers with me for 100 days post transplant, and I’m fortunate enough to have a variety of family and friends who will be my caregivers. So far I’ve kicked cancer in the face, and I can’t wait to be on the other side of all of this. Today is progress, today is a start of my next chapter. Today is a Cure.

The road to recovery will be long, but it feels good to be moving ahead. It’s going to take a year or two for my life to go back to normal and resemble what I’ve built and love most. I ask for your grace, understanding, and support during this time. I’ve been given gifts from so many (big, small, or even a hug) during this time and it’s really shown another side of people. The strength of your community and the various relationships you cultivate, is what shows up in the end. It’s been overwhelming, I didn’t know it would be waiting to help me when I most needed it. I’m most grateful for that feeling, all of you. I can’t wait to pay it forward. Love is all around.

So far I’ve kicked cancer in the face, and I can’t wait to be on the other side of all of this. I couldn’t have done this without all of you. Today is progress, today is a start of my next chapter. Today is my Cure. My birthday.

Original Post:

Lynn is a vibrant and beloved woman who is facing an unexpected life-altering diagnosis. To her family, she is a cherished daughter, sister, and aunt. To her friends and co-workers, she is a trusted and organized partner, a confidant, and a fun person to be around. Her identity is deeply rooted in these relationships and the warmth she brings to others.

Last month, Lynn received a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), a complex group of blood cancers stemming from a genetic mutation in bone marrow stem cells. In Lynn’s case, the presence of multiple mutations across various chromosomes makes her specific form of MDS exceptionally challenging, requiring a specialized and aggressive approach. Her age makes this diagnosis even more heartbreaking, as MDS typically affects individuals over 60.

The Difficult Path to a Cure: A Bone Marrow Transplant

Despite the daunting news, there is hope: a bone marrow transplant offers the promise of a healthy life. This demanding and prolonged procedure is Lynn's path to a cure. Her current regimen includes daily chemotherapy infusions to combat cancerous cells, followed by weekly blood and platelet transfusions to replenish vital blood components that her compromised bone marrow can no longer produce.

The intensity of this treatment leaves Lynn frequently weak and depleted of energy, making even simple daily tasks formidable. Driving, errands, and light household chores are impossible. Lynn will require consistent, often round-the-clock, caretaking throughout her illness, with dedicated caregivers essential for her well-being and safety.

How You Can Make a Difference: Easing the Burden and Saving Lives

Lynn’s medical crisis carries a significant financial burden from extensive chemotherapy, frequent transfusions, specialized care, and continuous caretaking. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be met with eternal gratitude, allowing Lynn and her family to focus on her healing.

If financial assistance isn't feasible, there are other profoundly impactful ways to help Lynn and save lives. Blood donation is an immediate and critical need. Lynn has already required a dozen units of blood, underscoring the life-sustaining power of these donations. Words cannot express our gratitude for these selfless donors, who have literally saved her life multiple times. Please consider donating blood; you can find a drive near you at American Red Cross or, for those in the Pacific Northwest, Bloodworks Northwest.

Another incredibly powerful way to make a difference is to register as a bone marrow donor, especially for individuals aged 18 to 40. Over 70% of patients needing a transplant do not have a matched family donor, relying on altruistic donors found through a registry. Registering is simple and takes minutes. Click here to answer a few questions and receive a free, in-home swab kit. Your selfless act could provide the miracle that someone like Lynn desperately needs.

Any help you can give, in any form is greatly appreciated. We love Lynn and are doing all we can to support her. Thank you for joining the fight!