Thank You for reading my story. My name is Mary Jo who once was very healthy, active, worked full time at a job I loved, and my primary doctor every annual exam would say I had blood of a 25 year old. That all changed in May of 2023 when I got COVID. After that I was always tired so I had weekly blood test which showed I was anemic and my blood counts were all messed up. I was referred to an Oncologist who specialized in blood disorders who did a bone marrow biopsy which came out I had MDS. This is a cancer that attacks the new cells that come from the bone marrow, in my case the red blood cells die off prematurely. MDS is a very rare cancer. The oncologist tried two different injections but my blood didn’t react to them so there was no improvement. I asked the oncologist my life expectancy in which she said 1-2 years. I am not afraid to die but I would be pretty pissed off as I am finally so very happy in my life. I resigned from my job as my job performance was failing and I was missing a lot of time at the office due to doctor appointments, I was heartbroken. I applied for early social security to pay for some of my monthly expenses. I decided to get a second opinion at Dana Farber in Boston. Thank goodness I made that decision as I have hope, I am getting a stem cell bone marrow transplant mid September from an unknown donor that matches me 100 percent from a donor facility. I now will be able to live a long active life. I had to move to the Boston area to be close to Dana Farber. I rented a small apartment and Uber weekly to Dana Farber. My Stem Cell Specialist Doctor just informed me I need a Caregiver to care for me for 4 months otherwise I can’t get transplant. The funds I receive will help me so very much for my medical, caregiver and living expenses. Please give as any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thank You Very Much!

Exciting News: The bone marrow stem cell transplant happened on September 26th and it was a success! I did not know my donor. The only information I received is he is a male in his 20’s possible from Germany. How can I thank someone that I don’t even know in words for giving me life. He is in my prayers each and every day. I did have some unforeseen problems that had nothing directly to do with the transplant that kept me in the hospital for 8 weeks but through it all I remained positive. I was discharged a couple of days ago under the care of my dear friend Becky who volunteered to be my caregiver for the duration 24/7. This is not an easy assignment as it is a exhausting. But Becky doesn’t complain and keeps working hard to be sure I am cared for.

I was hoping to raise more donations to give to Becky as Medicare and supplement insurance does not cover caregivers or facilities even though it is required to have a 24/7 caregiver for the transplant. If you do come across my story and could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You