Support Research for Aplastic Anemia in Eddie's Honor

Our parents are our biggest supporters. They only want the best for their children, to watch them grow and thrive in the real world. Devastatingly, on January 5, 2023, I lost my biggest supporter due to a rare blood disease called Aplastic Anemia.

My father, Edward Tudisco, always wanted the best for me and my family. He was always in my corner, encouraging me to do well in school and be the best version of myself. A sentence to describe my father was, "He was one of the good guys." He volunteered for the Kiwanis Club, which aimed to empower communities and create opportunities for children and worked as an electrician providing lighting for popular buildings in New York City. He was someone who left a lasting impact on many lives, and I plan to follow in his footsteps.

In February 2022, my father left work early as he felt extremely weak and fatigued. After going to a doctor, it was found he had a hemoglobin level of 6! Typically, an adult male's hemoglobin levels range from 13.5-18. The doctors could not believe he was still functioning; they didn't know how strong my dad was. After running test after test with little to no answers, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed a rare blood disorder called Aplastic Anemia.

Aplastic Anemia is a condition where your bone marrow can't produce enough red blood cells and platelets a person typically needs to function. The condition can be managed through various treatments such as blood transfusions, certain medications, diet and lifestyle changes, and more. The only possible cure for Aplastic Anemia is through a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant).

My father had to retire from work and quit everything he was passionate about to focus on this disease. The one thing he didn't quit was being an amazing dad. Every week, he would get a blood transfusion and sometimes even twice a week if his levels depleted quickly. With the worsening of his condition, the doctor suggested going in for ATG treatment. This is when human white blood cells are injected into a horse or rabbit, and the antibodies are extracted. The first round of treatment went successfully.

Months later, with ambulance calls, blood transfusion trips, and extreme fatigue, it was suggested he go in for his second round of ATG treatment, this time with the rabbit cells. However, it didn't go so well. He contracted an infection in his blood, most likely from the PICC line. Doctors tried various forms of antibiotics however, nothing worked.

I watched my father deteriorate before my eyes. The first time I visited him, he was very weak. He was receiving physical therapy and constantly running more tests. As I left to say goodbye, he reminded me to do well in school and how significant getting an education was. My father didn't believe in goodbyes, "I love you, and I'll see you soon" were the last words he ever said to me, I was unaware of how fast everything happened.

My mother visited him at the hospital every day from 8 am-5 pm. She had to take off from work to ensure he was getting taken care of properly and be there for him. A feeding tube was inserted as he refused to eat, he would also try to pull the feeding tube and was restrained at some times. I visited him on Christmas, as it was always spent as a family. I knew it would be difficult for me to see him like this, but I knew I was strong and committed to it. When I walked in, I tried to talk to him, but he just stared blankly, turning his head slowly back and forth. I read him a card that I would always make for him and hung it up on the wall to show he was loved. He became nonverbal and it seemed like he was very out of it.

It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through to witness my father, who was so strong and lively one second, become so gone the next. Tragically, on January 5th, 2023, he passed away. He was so loved and cherished, and I hope he knows he fought so well.

Aplastic Anemia negatively impacts the lives of people with the condition and their family and friends. The condition being so rare with little to no awareness is shocking and needs to change. I am creating this GoFundMe in my father's honor to help raise awareness about this disease so others don't have to suffer like he did. Hopefully, with more research, we can find new ways to combat this disease and prevent further fatalities. All donated funds will be sent directly to the AAMDS Foundation to promote research for Aplastic Anemia. Any donation helps.

Thank you.

Rest in peace Daddy, I love you and will continue to make you proud. Everything I do is for you ❤️