Carolyn's MDS Journey...

Dear Family and Friends,

My sister Carolyn was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), thrusting our family into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. She was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital's Bone Marrow /Leukemia Transplant Center on February 29, 2024. After intense conditioning chemotherapy, she received a life-saving Stem Cell Transplant on March 8, 2024, for which I was fortunate enough to qualify as her donor.

Carolyn is now facing the toughest part of her journey. The side effects are relentless – fatigue, nausea, hair loss, mouth sores – but she remains resilient, embodying the strength inherited from our mother. Her road to recovery is long. A minimum 30-day stay at VGH, followed by 70 days of outpatient care in Vancouver awaits her. Even after returning home she'll need an additional 12-18 months for her immune system to fully rebuild itself. This ordeal has taken an emotional and financial toll on Carolyn, her husband Heath (the Caregiver), and their family. To alleviate some of their burdens, I've initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses such as living costs, travel expenses, medications, and lost income.

Their community's unwavering support has been a beacon of hope during this trying time. I urge you all to join hands in supporting Carolyn and Heath as they navigate this journey toward a brighter future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arlene Charlton DeBruin