#ThrowbackThursday: This week, we want to highlight the amazing story of Barb Lirtzman. Barb actually swabbed her cheek in the Fall of 2009, only to find herself as a patient a few months later. When asked to share her journey, she said You have cancer are three words I never expected to hear. The diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia came out of nowhere, which is very often the case with cancer. I had actually been swabbed for the Bone Marrow Registry in the Fall of 2009. Little did I know that I would have to remove my name from that list within a matter of months and actually consider having a bone marrow transplant myself! Telling my three kids was by far the most difficult part of the journey. My two oldest were not living at home, but were both home within hours of receiving my tearful call. My youngest was in junior high. The devastation and fear my children and husband experienced was so painful for me to witness and I also felt responsible. The support they provided through my cancer journey was by far the most comforting part. I endured six chemo treatments over the course of several months and they became increasingly more difficult. However, my doctor was determined to have me complete all six. The trust I have in my doctor and his staff helps me remain realistically optimistic. I have been in remission for four years, but continue to see my oncologist every three months. CLL can be quiet one day and kick into gear the next. Learning to live with the uncertainty has been a struggle and a huge life lesson. While I am in a good place in my journey, there are plenty of people who are currently struggling and in need of various transplants in order to stay alive. The work, dedication and love that goes into Be A Hero Become A Donor is amazing. Gina and the whole team work tirelessly to bring awareness to their foundation and more donors to the BMT registry. While I desperately wish I could be on the donor list, I am so grateful for the people who are registered. If you are moved by Barbs story, please take a moment to add your name to the Bone Marrow Registry at deletebloodcancer.org. When asked how you heard about the registry, please select Be A Hero Become A Donor Foundation. You can also host a drive in your community. Just drop us a message and well get you all the training, swabbing supplies, and informational materials youll need!
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:56:17 +0000
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