Donna Smart

Hi my name is Rudy Kallock and I am fundraising for my friend Donna Smart.

Help Donna Smart's Fight Against Leukemia and Support from Her Loving Husband, Doug Smart.

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals,

We come together today to support Donna Smart, a remarkable woman who is embarking on a challenging battle against leukemia. Donna, a loving wife and a pillar of strength, has recently suffered a relapse, and her acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has returned. Our hearts go out to her, her husband Doug, and their family as they face this difficult journey.

Currently, Donna is undergoing extensive chemotherapy to prepare her for a vital bone marrow transplant. The recovery process following the transplant is expected to take approximately one year, during which Donna will be unable to work and focus solely on her health. Due to the lengthy recovery time, she was forced into an early retirement.

With Dana Farber in Boston scheduled to perform the bone marrow transplant in January, Donna will spend a crucial 30 days under their care. However, upon returning home, she will have to endure further isolation for 3-4 months to minimize the risk of infection. It will take anywhere from 3 to 12 months for her immune system to fully recover, making the first year post-transplant akin to the fragility of a newborn baby's life.

Adding to the challenges they face, the closure of their store, Atlantic Accents in Provincetown, due to the economic downturn and the uncertainty of Donna's health, has left the couple without any income. Doug's priority is to be by Donna's side as her dedicated caregiver, which means he will also have to undergo isolation with her. This means they are left with a tremendous financial burden.

This GoFundMe campaign aims to lessen the financial strain on Donna and Doug as they navigate through this life-altering journey. The funds raised will go towards covering their medical bills, travel expenses to and from Boston, housing during their stay, and basic living expenses during Donna's recovery.

It is our duty to rally around Donna, Doug, and their family, offering them the support and love they need during these trying times. No amount is too small or insignificant, as every donation will make a difference. Your generosity will alleviate their financial worries and allow them to fully focus on Donna's recovery.

It should be noted that Donna has been a Teacher’s Aide and Librarian in the West Springfield, Massachusetts elementary school system for the past 22 years.

The road ahead for Donna and Doug may be challenging, but with your help, we can ensure that they neither fight nor face it alone. Let us come together to give Donna the best chance at defeating leukemia, allowing her to continue bringing her love, light, and warmth to our lives. Your contributions, kind words, and prayers will serve as the foundation of strength that Donna and Doug need on this emotional journey.

Thank you sincerely for your support, generosity, and love.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rudy Kallock