Leah Persinger

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you know, my Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) returned and I underwent a bone marrow transplant in November 2013 at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Today I’m taking it day-by-day, doing physical therapy and trying to build my strength so that I can walk, climb stairs and do more things on my own. Kenny quit his job to become my caretaker — doing everything from cooking, laundry, helping me bathe, and transporting me to my appointments. We have had quite the journey.

I am first and foremost thankful for my donor and feel lucky right that one was found. Yes, this is still a scary journey at times. I mean my blood type changed from A+ to O+, how crazy is that? I try and do stay positive most the time. This second time around has given me such a different outlook on life. I feel like I just went through my first journey doing what needed to be done. I have a whole different perspective on life today. Life is good and I am going to enjoy it and all the wonderful souls around me. My community has been an amazing source of emotional support – all of you take my breath away at times. I wish I was better at explaining how deeply you all have affected my inner soul.

Even with insurance, I have many uninsured transplant-related expenses as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits and costly immunosuppressant medications. Since it will be at least a year before I can go back to work, I really would appreciate everyone’s support.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northwest Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated – please click the DONATE NOW button now.

Much Love!!

Leah