Asking for Your Help in my Fight vs. Leukemia

In June of this year, I ended up in the ER at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas with bleeding issues. Doctors soon gave me a devastating diagnosis: LEUKEMIA. I learned I would have to undergo a long course of chemotherapy to achieve remission, followed by a bone marrow transplant.

The first part of my treatment resulted in a 46-day hospital stay, as I fought off two lung infections while enduring multiple chemo rounds. I am grateful I made it through and I am now on maintenance chemotherapy to maintain remission until my bone marrow transplant that is currently scheduled early this November.

But soon after leaving the hospital, I got another big shock in September -- this time from my employer. I am being laid off from my job as of December 31, 2023. So, effective January 1, 2024, I will lose not just my salary, but also my employer-provided health insurance coverage. I will have the opportunity to continue coverage with COBRA insurance, paying the full premium each month, and will be responsible for all deductibles and out-of-pocket costs in addition to all living expenses.

I have spent the last month trying to regain my strength while meeting the many medical prerequisites for the bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, my team at UT Southwestern Medical Center recently identified a donor. I will enter the hospital on October 26th to prep for my bone marrow transplant on November 3rd. After the procedure, I will require extensive and thorough post-transplant care for a minimum of 6 months, including doctor visits with the leukemia team’s many specialists (e.g., heart, lung, transfusions, anti-rejection drugs).

Amidst these many challenges, I am especially grateful my son Reiny has stepped in as my full-time caregiver. Reiny is an amazing, generous, and loving man – and the best nurse ever!

Therefore, in the face of looming medical bills, health insurance payments, household expenses, and everyday caregiving costs -- and with no money coming in after December, I am humbly asking for your support through this Go Fund Me campaign as I fight to recover.

With friends and family like you in my corner, I plan to win this fight!

Thank you for your consideration, friendship, and love.

Pamela and Reiny