Updates from John and Isabella!
Part 1
In late August 2017, AAMDSIF paid a visit to NIH patient John Vasquez and his sister/caregiver Isabella, several weeks after his stem cell transplant for severe aplastic anemia a
treatment
As Patient Advocate, Emma Makes New Friends
When Emma was still being seen at the NIH twice a week, we were talking with her physician’s assistant about her t-shirt fundraiser and her Facebook group. After hearing what Emma was doing with these activities, they asked her to be their new pediatric patient advocate, helping newer pediatric patients with advice on how to cope with treatments. This seemed to be another way we could help.
A Mother and Daughter Awareness-Building Team Get to Work
“Emma was active in raising awareness for bone marrow failure even before her arrival at NIH.” – Lydia Seiders
My Encounter with Aplastic Anemia
In 2007, when I was 25 years old, I started to get winded going up a flight of stairs. I also began having two hour long nosebleeds, and I knew something was wrong. I had my bloodwork checked and shortly after my doctor told me to go to the hospital right away because my blood counts were extremely low. I had no idea what that meant at the time, and wasn’t overly alarmed.
I'm Like You: Brandi Lewis
Brandi was hooked on acting from the time she was three and played a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz. She eventually sidelined her first love to study political science at the University of Northern Alabama.
Alaskan Goes Home for Treatment and a Fresh Start
I tell people I'm unique - almost one of a kind. I am 40 years old and have recently been diagnosed with a rare type of MDS having an unusual deletion 12q cytogenetic abnormality, known MDS 12q (-), or MDS 12q minus. I was diagnosed in February of 2015 at age 38, however my health struggles began several years before that. I had been living in Alaska for nearly twenty-five years. In 2008, I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis (also a rare disease for someone of my age).
I'm Like You: Tyler Andrews
Tyler Andrews has been passionate about running for most of his life. The 26-year-old turned it into his profession and has competed all over the world.
Gouldsmith Family Pulls Together for Gabby
In June 2011, my daughter Gabby was seven, and we had just relocated from Las Vegas to Reno, Nevada. She seemed tired and had alarming bruises on her shins. She also had a persistent ear infection and I noticed red dots (petechiae) on her shoulders.
I'm Like You: Vincent Rusak
Vincent Rusak of New Kensington, PA, traveled extensively during his 26-year career as an expert electronic service technician. For 15 of those years, he was also a regular blood donor in his community.
His father’s quadruple bypass surgery, as well as a deep compassion for his fellow man, were Vince's motivation for contributing to his local blood banks every six to nine months. Little did he know that this selfless habit would someday save his life.
I'm Like You: Judi Wilkinson
Judi Wilkinson of Ormond Beach, Florida, has worked as a mortgage underwriter, 911 operator and auto racing team manager. She was accustomed to handling tough situations, as well as emergencies.