Steve Kilfoy Transplant Recovery

Hello, my name is Steve Kilfoy. I'm a book dealer in Los Angeles, California. I'm 63 years old, single, and recovering from a bone marrow transplant. My health problems began eight years ago with a diagnosis of MDS, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a bone marrow disease which is considered treatable. Unfortunately, I didn't respond to any of the available treatments, either standard or experimental, and I tried them all. After seven years I found myself dependent on weekly blood transfusions just to go about my daily life.

Then I got the worst possible news, my "treatable" disease had progressed to an untreatable disease - Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This leukemia, when it has progressed from MDS, is especially bad - very agressive and virulent. I suffered kidney failure before I could even begin chemotherapy due to the bad blood generated by my failing bone marrow. This sent me straight to the emergency room for weeks of dialysis which saved my kidneys and my life. Afterwards, chemotherapy was a monthly requirement. I was hospitalized almost a dozen times.

Luckily, I qualified for a bone marrow transplant, my only option for survival. A worldwide search located a kind and generous anonymous donor suitable for the transplant. When they brought in the bag of stem cell marrow provided by this angel I was reduced to tears.

Currently I'm recovering from that procedure. The doctors are pleased with my progress, I feel good. I also feel blessed, since I didn't think I would still be alive at this point.

Now my problem is financial, not medical. I owe the hospital a lot of money. They've charitably reduced my indebtedness, but not completely. I also owe money to my landlords, who were very forbearing throughout my medical crisis but who now, understandably, want the situation resolved.

My savings are gone, my finances wrecked. I'm reducing expenses, downsizing, but I'm still facing the potential loss of my business and my home, both of which are in the same space. I love my work. I love bookselling. Losing my business and my home and having to start over at age 63 is a terrifying prospect.

I never imagined I would find myself in such a position. I've worked my whole life. Since I was fifteen years old I've had a job of some kind. Now, though, no matter how hard I work I can't get out from under this crushing debt.

My goal would stabilize my living situation and enable me to continue with my work. I'm grateful and amazed to still be here and I thank God every day for making that possible. I also thank God for my wonderful friends, who have helped me get through this ordeal.  If you can help, even by sharing information about my campaign, any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless you.