Time for my bone marrow transplant!

Hi everyone. I think you know me but in case you don't, I'm Casandra "Candy" (Lynam)Thompson and I am fundraising for my medical expense and travel account for my bone marrow transplant. I'm the blond in the middle. I used to be taller than my sisters but I have shrunk with age and cancer!

My story is long that has lead to my transplant but I will keep it as brief as possible. I was born with a disease called Von Willebrands, a bleeding disorder. This made me bleed and bruise easily. I put up with that until I was 26. I then tried Accutane for cystic acne. Accutane triggered my unknown genetic defect of my tyrosine protein chain, JAK1/2 genes and my cancer issues started. I started with Essential Thrombocythemia or too many platelets. Then I developed Polycythemia Vera or too many red cells. Eventually, I developed Reticulin Myelofibrosis or scaring of the bone marrow.

My bone marrow is not soft and lush with a velvetie center and rich blood supply like normal bone marrow. Mine is hardened and scarred in areas and is stopping blood production. I require blood transfusions now every few months to survive. I have had a splenic rupture as a result of my cancer.

My bone marrow transplant is scheduled to start it's process at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on January 12, 2022. My sister Connie is my match. I am on SSID. I had to stop practicing as a ARNP almost 7 years ago because of my cancer. I will be receiving aid from the hospital foundation but that only covers about half of the monthly expenses. I will be living in Seattle from January 12 thru approx. May 1. I have to cover hotels, food, medical expenses like bandages, IV covers, Ensure, specialty food, care provider expenses, etc.. and medical things you don't want to know!

The amount of money I need to raise is $7,000. Much to my misfortune, I did not find out until December 18 that the hospital's aid would only pay for half of my expenses. A little late notice on their part. I know this is a bad time of year to ask for help. If you can't help, would you please post this on your FB page? I could really use the help.

Candy