Doug Parisano

Dear Friends,

You may have heard this saying, “An individual doesn’t get cancer, a family does.” Well now, we’re sad to report, our family has cancer. Two years ago, Doug was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). The disease eventually became treatment resistant and Doug was told that his only chance at a healthy life was to have a bone marrow transplant.

On January 25th, Doug received his Gift-of-Life! In his words, “…I am grateful to have a second chance at life because of the generous gift from a fellow human. I am also filled with gratitude by the kindness and love of Sue, my sister, my parents and all of my extended family. They have been so amazing, as have my friends and co-workers. I feel the love of all of you. Thank you for supporting me.” The donor, anonymous to us, was a 29-year-old male.

Bone marrow transplants are challenging, complex and costly. Recovery is grueling and lengthy – a month in the hospital – from six to 12 months at home. Even with insurance, Doug will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, and the costly immunosuppressant medications that he will need to take for the rest of his life. Doug has short-term disability which covers only 25 percent of his salary. The situation presents us with a financial challenge we cannot meet alone.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Doug’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.While Doug is dealing with this unfortunate disease, he has been blessed by the incredible support of a wonderful network of friends, family and community. Whether you are in a position to help Doug with a donation or not, or make a visit to the hospital, we want to say “thank you” for being part of our lives and for keeping him (and us) in your thoughts and prayers.

Please mark your calendar to join us April 12th for a FUNdraising event in Doug’s honor, to learn more visit this link: http://bit.ly/ViZQ6A

Betty & Tom Parisano
[email protected]
610.664.3818

Stephanie Parisano McAlaine
[email protected]
610.971.9395

Sue Hudson
[email protected]
484.995.3230