Support Rare Blood Cancer Journey

Hi everyone.

I never thought I’d find myself in this position—but here I am, reaching out for help.

Over the past several months, I’ve undergone an overwhelming number of tests, procedures, and specialist appointments at VCU’s Massey Cancer Center. While I’m still awaiting final confirmation from my bone marrow biopsy, my oncologist strongly suspects that I have a rare chronic blood cancer known as a Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN)—specifically Triple-Negative Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) or Early Myelofibrosis.

So far, I’ve had a low-dose iron infusion (which made me extremely sick and worsened my lab results), dozens of blood draws, extensive genetic testing, and a bone marrow biopsy—the only diagnostic path recognized by the World Health Organization for MPNs. Because I tested negative for the three main gene mutations (JAK2, CALR, MPL), my type of cancer is classified as "triple-negative," making diagnosis and treatment even more complex. My biopsy, the last step in my diagnostic process, came back abnormal, all but confirming this rare cancer.

Unfortunately, this journey has come with significant financial strain. I’ve now accumulated thousands of dollars in medical debt—mostly from VCU, but also from a separate ER visit to Bon Secours after complications from the biopsy. I’ve been doing my best to manage through payment plans, but the cost has become more than I can handle alone.

Because MPNs are so rare (affecting fewer than 2 in 100,000 people annually), access to specialists is extremely limited. There is currently only one MPN expert in Virginia, located at UVA Cancer Center in Charlottesville—an hour from where I live. I will need to travel there for further evaluation and care.

I’m asking for donations to help cover the existing medical bills from this diagnostic process, with a small buffer to account for GoFundMe’s fees and upcoming travel and appointments at UVA. I’ve attached a few photos of my bills, and I’m happy to provide more documentation if needed. I’ve been paying on them as best I can, but the balance has grown beyond my ability to keep up.

Thank you so much for reading, donating, and sharing. Your support means everything.

If you'd like to learn more about MPNs, please visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s MPN section or check out the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.