Help fight Rao's blood cancer
Donation protected
About 3 years back, my family received the devastating news that my father, Seetarama Rao Akunoor, is suffering from myelofibrosis, a rare form of cancer that scars the bone marrow. His red blood cell production has been severely impacted, lowering his hemoglobin levels. He now has an abnormally enlarged spleen, and requires blood transfusion every 2 weeks. The last remaining option to address this chronic leukemia is a bone marrow/ stem cell transplant.
Finding a donor has been a challenge. Initially, there were a few whose HLA Type matched my father's, making them potential donors. However, after several months of wait and testing, doctors ruled them out as the donors had their own health issues. We were back to square one. Finally, we found a suitable donor!! Doctors are saying that we need to get moving with the surgery now, before it's too late.
Total estimated cost for the transplant is ~$80,000. We have sold almost all of our possessions just to have the monies ready, but are still short by $45,000. The funds being sought will plug that gap and ease our financial burden as we pay for medical and travel expenses at Christian Medical College, Vellore in India. My mother's income as a teacher in India is barely helping us cover the monthly living and medical expenses.
While my dad projects to be in good spirits to make my mother, sister and I not worry, we see him severely fatigued and weak as months go by. It is difficult to see him battle life and death at a relatively young age of 52. He has been a good man, always caring and giving. Support from family, friends and folks like you gives us the confidence to beat this cancer. The next few months will decide my family's fate. Thank you for considering to make a difference.
Saketh Akunoor
Graduate Student at Texas A&M University, Kingsville
PS: I will be glad to furnish medical records upon request. My uncle, Venkata Danam, who lives in Irvine, CA will be receiving all collected donations and subsequently disbursing them to my father.
Finding a donor has been a challenge. Initially, there were a few whose HLA Type matched my father's, making them potential donors. However, after several months of wait and testing, doctors ruled them out as the donors had their own health issues. We were back to square one. Finally, we found a suitable donor!! Doctors are saying that we need to get moving with the surgery now, before it's too late.
Total estimated cost for the transplant is ~$80,000. We have sold almost all of our possessions just to have the monies ready, but are still short by $45,000. The funds being sought will plug that gap and ease our financial burden as we pay for medical and travel expenses at Christian Medical College, Vellore in India. My mother's income as a teacher in India is barely helping us cover the monthly living and medical expenses.
While my dad projects to be in good spirits to make my mother, sister and I not worry, we see him severely fatigued and weak as months go by. It is difficult to see him battle life and death at a relatively young age of 52. He has been a good man, always caring and giving. Support from family, friends and folks like you gives us the confidence to beat this cancer. The next few months will decide my family's fate. Thank you for considering to make a difference.
Saketh Akunoor
Graduate Student at Texas A&M University, Kingsville
PS: I will be glad to furnish medical records upon request. My uncle, Venkata Danam, who lives in Irvine, CA will be receiving all collected donations and subsequently disbursing them to my father.
Organizer
Sai Saketh
Organizer
Kingsville, TX
