James    

 

Background:

James is a Long Island resident who is fighting Aplastic Anemia which evolved into leukemia. He is in need of a bone marrow transplant and his medical insurance does not cover the costs associated with locating and testing for a suitable donor.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all types of blood cells: red cells, white cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes the hemoglobin (a type of protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body) to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells results in the patient being susceptible to infection. A reduced number of platelets can cause the blood not to clot as easily. Secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/acute leukemia frequently evolves from severe aplastic anemia (SAA) following immunosuppressive therapy.

James ability to work has been severely curtailed by this illness. The resulting financial strain on his day to day life is something we would all like to eliminate.

 

The Margaret Rose Kennedy Foundation has given James a grant towards his medical expenses.