Help Cancer Patients Find Bone Marrow Donors!

Anelya is 14 years old.  The story of her illness began in November 2022. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, the most fatal type of leukemia.  She immediately started treatment at the Center for Motherhood and Childhood in Astana, Kazakhstan.  The intensive chemotherapy treatment lasted from November 2022 to April 2023.  It was challenging for Anelya, and although she initially went into remission during supportive chemotherapy, a relapse occurred at the end of July 2023, with a severe blood infection accompanying it. 

Anelya was given a poor prognosis by her doctors, and in search of medical options, Anelya's parents decided on ASAN Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea. After confirming the diagnosis through tests, it was determined that a bone marrow transplantation was necessary. Although a matching donor could not be found in Korea, fortunately, one was located in Turkey. In early August, Anelya underwent the first two cycles of chemotherapy in Korea.

Next, the family flew to Medipol Mega University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, to begin preparing for bone marrow transplantation. By then, the medical expenses for Anelya's treatment ballooned to $161,000, of which they spent $55,000 in Korea. The family was forced to sell their apartment in Kazakhstan to raise funds.  Thanks to you, we were able to offer help to Anelya's family in their efforts to afford the treatment for Anelya.  We are so grateful for your contribution that made it possible!

As the holiday season approaches, please keep in mind the patients fighting cancer over many months and years.  They need our help continuously, as cancer attacks indiscriminately at the most inconvenient times and during difficult periods.  The best way to help with that is to sign up for the monthly donations.  Thanks again for all you do!

Vitalia is a 42-year old mom from Kazan, Russia. In March 2022 she began feeling slightly unwell, but instead of recovering, she progressed to severe fatigue.  One day she could not gather the strength to get out of bed.  After getting hospitalized, in April 2022 she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, refractory anemia with excess blasts, myelodysplastic syndrome.  If left untreated, it could develop into leukemia.  

Right away, Vitalia was told that the treatment will be long and involve a bone marrow transplant.  Unfortunately, her family members did not match as donors, and no donors were found in the Russian registries.  A donor search abroad is not covered by Russian state-administered insurance, and therefore, the patient is responsible for paying the full cost.  Although Vitalia's famiily was able to make an initial deposit, they could not afford to pay the remaining amount. Thanks to your support, we were able to help Vitalia with settling the bill.  Since then, she has had a successful transplant of donor's stem cell and is now recovering. 

Vitalia spent almost 20 years in travel industry and she is looking forward to returning to her profession and helping people discover new cultures and learn about history.  Thank you for your kindness, and we hope you will continue your support!