Dave's Stem Cell Transplant
Donation protected
Most of you know Dave by one name or another. From Big D to Papa Smurf, the list of nicknames this man goes by is endless. However, the two names that resonate the most to him are Dad to his daughters and Papa to his grandkids. Most of us just look at him as a superhero because that is really what he is to a lot of us.
Giving. Comical. Playful. Funny. Loving. A true family man. These are all words that describe a hero and more importantly our Dad and Papa. Through the eyes of his daughters, Dave was the first man to show them what kind of love, kindness, and commitment a Dad can possess. A man who is truly selfless and always puts others before himself. A guy that has time and time again helped those around him. Now this man, this hero, this Papa, needs our help!
For those who do not know, after working countless years making the chocolate we all love to eat at the M&M/Mars company; Dave decided a few years back to retire and spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren that he adores with all his heart. Well just a few short years into his golden years, Dave was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma. Our superhero took off his mask, donned his cape, and went full speed ahead to fight this battle. After six rounds of intense chemotherapy, his treatment came to a standstill. To pickle this beast, the only other treatment option left is to undergo stem cell transplant procedure. This is not an easy decision for anyone to make, as the toll it takes on ones body can be more than most of us can imagine. His decision was made much easier when his amazing sister June stood up and volunteered to be tested as a possible match and donor. Well the results came in and a 98% match is about the best news we have could have hoped for. So now the transplant begins.
What this entails is a minimum of a month of inpatient care at Rush Community hospital in Chicago, Illinois. During that time our hero will be pounded with even more intense chemotherapy to prep him for the transplant procedure. Once that is complete, the doctors will perform the actual stem cell transplant, and then watch over him to see if it takes. If all goes well he will be discharged and can come home, but will still need to travel twice weekly to Rush for continuous monitoring and therapy. From start to finish, this treatment process is projected to be at least one full year. This is not only physical draining for Dave and his wife Barb, but this will also take a toll on them emotionally and financially.
We are only asking that if you can find it in your hearts to please make a donation of your capacity to support our hero Dave on the biggest fight of his life. Your support truly will make a difference. This superhero needs us!
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”- Christopher Reeve
Papa, we all love you. You got this!!
Giving. Comical. Playful. Funny. Loving. A true family man. These are all words that describe a hero and more importantly our Dad and Papa. Through the eyes of his daughters, Dave was the first man to show them what kind of love, kindness, and commitment a Dad can possess. A man who is truly selfless and always puts others before himself. A guy that has time and time again helped those around him. Now this man, this hero, this Papa, needs our help!
For those who do not know, after working countless years making the chocolate we all love to eat at the M&M/Mars company; Dave decided a few years back to retire and spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren that he adores with all his heart. Well just a few short years into his golden years, Dave was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma. Our superhero took off his mask, donned his cape, and went full speed ahead to fight this battle. After six rounds of intense chemotherapy, his treatment came to a standstill. To pickle this beast, the only other treatment option left is to undergo stem cell transplant procedure. This is not an easy decision for anyone to make, as the toll it takes on ones body can be more than most of us can imagine. His decision was made much easier when his amazing sister June stood up and volunteered to be tested as a possible match and donor. Well the results came in and a 98% match is about the best news we have could have hoped for. So now the transplant begins.
What this entails is a minimum of a month of inpatient care at Rush Community hospital in Chicago, Illinois. During that time our hero will be pounded with even more intense chemotherapy to prep him for the transplant procedure. Once that is complete, the doctors will perform the actual stem cell transplant, and then watch over him to see if it takes. If all goes well he will be discharged and can come home, but will still need to travel twice weekly to Rush for continuous monitoring and therapy. From start to finish, this treatment process is projected to be at least one full year. This is not only physical draining for Dave and his wife Barb, but this will also take a toll on them emotionally and financially.
We are only asking that if you can find it in your hearts to please make a donation of your capacity to support our hero Dave on the biggest fight of his life. Your support truly will make a difference. This superhero needs us!
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”- Christopher Reeve
Papa, we all love you. You got this!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Mary Ellen Oczki
Organizer
Aurora, IL
Dave Semerdjian
Beneficiary
