Ayo Jumanne's Bone Marrow Transplant

Thank you for reading my sister Ayo's story. I'm Kito, and my family and I are coming to you at our most vulnerable moment to ask for your much-needed support.

In August of 2021, Ayo was suffering from extreme back pain. We were shocked when she was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma, an aggressive bone marrow cancer. Ayo immediately began radiation therapy to treat the tumor on her spine that threatened her mobility. She is now finishing chemotherapy. In January 2022, she was evaluated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where she was approved as a candidate for a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. This procedure will give Ayo the best chances to extend her life and be here with us for years to come. Learn about multiple myeloma on the Mayo website.

On March 24, 2022, I'll take time off work to travel to Mayo with Ayo to begin preparations for the transplant which will happen on April 11. She is expected to stay in MN for six weeks. Then she will be in recovery for approximately six months at home. This is where you can help...

Ayo's savings have been depleted, not being able to work. She is currently on short term disability at a fraction of her regular income. As someone who's been fiercely independent her whole life, this has been a devastating blow to her sense of self. Thankfully, Ayo has health insurance. However, we have an urgent need to raise money to help her cover daily living expenses until she is strong enough and cleared to return to work. 100% of the funds raised will be used for household expenses, additional medical care, and other critical expenses needed during the recovery period.

"Ayo" means joy in the West African language of Yoruba. To know my sister is to know someone who is truly joyful - sweet, funny, unselfish, kind, and who can cook like nobody's business! Her outlook and her faith remain bright despite these terrifying realities. With your help, dear friends, we can relieve some pressure for Ayo through this incredibly tough time so she can focus on one thing - the healing of her body, mind, and soul.

Thank you in advance for donating, sharing, and praying. Every ounce of support matters and is greatly appreciated.

With love and in deep gratitude,

Kito and Ayo's Family