TJ's Bone Marrow-Stem Cell Transplant

TJ is my son. He is 28 years old. This past year has been a rollercoaster for him. On Dec 17th, 2021, he came home from work early because he didn't feel well. For the next 20 days, his health deteriorated until he could not join Christmas dinner and could barely walk. After having blood tests done, on January 7, 2022, he was rushed by ambulance to Princess Margaret Cancer Center. There he was diagnosed with ALL, underlying CML and Philadelphia Positive Chromosome. TJ underwent inpatient chemotherapy. He spent his 28th birthday, Jan 12th, in the hospital. After 39 days in PMH, he came home to continue outpatient chemotherapy. The Dana Farbar regiment of chemo was followed until June. For the Philly positive, he was first put on Imatinib. The Philly positive did not respond. They switched the medication to Ponatinib, which itself has extreme side effects. Neither drug worked. In June, he was told that the chemo and drug regime did not work. His leukemia was drug resistant. TJ would need a bone marrow transplant. After many months and several delays, TJ had his bone marrow transplant on November 17, 2022. Now his recovery begins. His entire life has been turned upside-down. He had his apartment, career, and independence last December. In 11 short months, he had to move home, was told he could no longer work in his trade and lost most of his independence. TJ now relies on government assistance. This vibrant, contributing young man has not only had his health taken by Leukemia but his self-reliance, job, and career. Please support TJ to assist him in his recovery and redefine himself and his future.