Be Part of Donna Bova's Krewe!

Dear Friends, Family, and those anonymous Angels watching over us,

Donna’s battle started over four months ago with what started as a string of infections.  First it was a sinus infection, then strep, and finally excruciating arm pain which took Donna to UTMB Galveston and receive a diagnosis of Myelomastocytic leukemia (MML): a very difficult  leukemia to treat.  The initial chemotherapy showed great progress, but given the specifics of the MML it was necessary to begin treatments at MD Anderson.  Donna finally achieved remission this past January, but her next step is a big one – a Bone Marrow Transplant scheduled for March 23rd. 

For every hurdle of this journey, God has graced Donna, Anthony, and the boys.  The Bova family has been strengthened by your prayers through it all.   A few weeks ago, they were encouraged by good news that a donor who is a perfect match was found.  Words cannot describe the gratitude in our hearts for this selfless donor who said, “Yes!”  With a transplant in the works, rounds of testings to confirm that Donna is healthy and ready for the treatment will begin early March .

The next few weeks heading into the transplant will not be easy.  Donna will undergo more chemotherapy to prepare her body for the transplant, further weakening her immune system to prevent it from attacking the donor's cells.  Through this all, the Bova Family and her Donor will need prayers more than ever!  After the transplant, Donna will stay a few weeks in the hospital for observation and treatments for any potential side effects.  Once discharged, she must stay close to MD Anderson for daily follow-up tests and appointments; throughout this time period she will require 24-hr care.

Donna’s family and many friends have been her core support; she would not have been able to make it this far without the countless meals, dedicated drivers, and the Angel who has and continues to pay for hospital parking.  For the next phase of preparing and supporting the transplant, the Bova family will again need our help.  Donations through this campaign will go toward the many medical, relocation, and transportation costs that will incur over the next few months. 

We hope to raise $10,000 to relieve some of the financial stress weighing upon the Bovas’ shoulders.  Wow – doesn’t that seem overwhelming?  But that figure is really just a small part of the unexpected costs that accompany a leukemia diagnosis.  And yet, if we think about the countless people whose lives have been touched by the Bova family, we know that figure is easily attainable.  We know that the Bovas are not fighting this fight alone – they are shoulder-to-shoulder with the many community members who themselves have been helped by the Bovas.  Those who they have deeply touched include the St. Paul’s Church family, other churches via ACTS missioning, Boy Scouts of Troop 595, El Lago Dorados swim team, and international students of the United Space School.  Whether it’s working on PTA projects or planning El Lago City Hall projects, Donna has uplifted those around her with a smile and encouragement.  This effort to raise funds is a chance to share with them all the selfless love that the Bova family has given to each one of us!

We praise God for carrying Donna through this fight, we give thanks for the amazing man who has offered his bone marrow to save her life, and we hold onto the hope and promise that Donna will be healed.  

Thank you for joining us in this journey of Love.