Join Danielle's Fight Against Cancer

Hi everyone, Danielle here!

In January 2022, I was going to be a stem cell donor for my mom who has a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis. Prior to the transplant, a preliminary chest x-ray revealed there was a large tumor in my chest. So, by accident, it was discovered that I have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The most common cancer in young adults.

After 8 infusions of chemotherapy, the tumor disappeared and I was deemed in Complete Remission. Life was starting to go back to normal, but in October 2022 we found out the fight isn’t over. A follow-up scan and subsequent biopsy revealed that the disease was back. As my doctor said, it’s not because I didn’t pray hard enough or I ate too much sugar, but because the disease is an aggressive form of Hodgkin’s that is resistant to chemotherapy. The good news is that this is still highly treatable. We are consulting with some of the best doctors at Johns Hopkins. Like my mom, I will need a stem cell transplant in February 2023. Life really comes full circle!? My wonderfully young and healthy brother, Ajay, will be my donor and give me the greatest gift a person could give—a new immune system. I’m in good hands.

Obviously, this is a very trying time. I will be taking long-term disability from work to recover and Drew (my amazing boyfriend) will be taking medical leave to be my caregiver. Between fertility preservation, immunotherapy, the transplant, hospitalization, medication, housing in Baltimore, gasoline and food, we are asking for your help. At 26 years old, we wish to be saving for cool vacations or graduate school or a house. Everyone’s generosity and kindness give us strength and hope. I’m a fighter and with the support of my family, Drew, friends, and an extensive network of loved ones, I am going to beat cancer (just like I did before)! If anyone can do this, it’s me. While there is a long road ahead, I am grateful for all the light in my life that guides, protects, and uplifts me. Thank you all so much. May 2023 bring peace, love, and good health (and new stem cells).

Danielle