Heather's Helpers
Donation protected
In May, my sister, Heather Oleson, woke up and noticed a swollen lymph node on her neck. Although she had no other symptoms she decided to make an appointment to see her primary care doctor. Through blood work it was revealed that her white blood count was extremely high. This resulted in a whirlwind of tests including a bone marrow biopsy which led to her diagnosis of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML).
To say this came as a shock is an understatement. Having lost our father to leukemia in 2007 it felt like bad dream all over again. Despite the devastating diagnosis Heather has been extremely strong, courageous and brave throughout her treatment. She’s received four rounds of chemo and is now preparing for a stem cell transplant. She will be admitted to UPMC Shadyside on September 5 where she will begin eight days of intense chemo and radiation. On or around September 13 she will receive a stem cell transplant. She will spend approximately 30 days in the hospital and an additional 2+ months in Pittsburgh.
As you can imagine, the cost of living in Pittsburgh for three months is a lot. In addition, she will face many limitations post-transplant – including not returning to work for at least one year. While she has been lucky to have health benefits through her employer, the cost of medications, treatment, hospital stays, travel and others are overwhelming.
Please consider donating to help Heather focus on what is most important – her health, a cure and recovery!
With gratitude,
Ashley
To say this came as a shock is an understatement. Having lost our father to leukemia in 2007 it felt like bad dream all over again. Despite the devastating diagnosis Heather has been extremely strong, courageous and brave throughout her treatment. She’s received four rounds of chemo and is now preparing for a stem cell transplant. She will be admitted to UPMC Shadyside on September 5 where she will begin eight days of intense chemo and radiation. On or around September 13 she will receive a stem cell transplant. She will spend approximately 30 days in the hospital and an additional 2+ months in Pittsburgh.
As you can imagine, the cost of living in Pittsburgh for three months is a lot. In addition, she will face many limitations post-transplant – including not returning to work for at least one year. While she has been lucky to have health benefits through her employer, the cost of medications, treatment, hospital stays, travel and others are overwhelming.
Please consider donating to help Heather focus on what is most important – her health, a cure and recovery!
With gratitude,
Ashley
Organizer
Ashley Marie
Organizer
Erie, PA
