Darr Schackow Insurance Blog

John has told me about the countless friends who have asked about me so I thought I would update everyone through this blog . As many of you know in June 2009 , I was diagnosed with leukemia . S pecifically AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) which is a blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to regulate it’s white cells . From June until October, I went through 5 rounds of chemo. I was lucky enough to have a clean bone marrow biopsy in December , have a wonderful holiday with my friends and family, and was slowly returning to life as usual. Unfortunately my routine blood work in January showed that the leukemia had returned . Currently I am in the hospital hav ing just finished a new round of chemo and am awaiting my immune system to rebuild . I have been informed that I will need to have a bone marrow transplant. John was tested to see if he is a bone marrow match to me so that he can be my transplant donor. I am most likely going to Seattle, Washington for the transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Center/Seattle Cancer Center Alliance (the top rated leukemia transplant center in the country) . Many of you have asked how you can help. Right now, t here is something you can do that will potentially help me and others in my position. You can go give blood or platelets and at the same time ask to become a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry. Being a bone marrow donor is much different now than in the past. It is a little more involved than giving platelets but usually doesn't involve a direct draw (meaning no big needle s in your bum). I will try to keep you updated as things progress . Thank you for all the good thoughts and prayers. I know I will get through this and be a stronger person in the end. I have always known how wonderful my friends and family are , but in the last six months , I have been overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me and my family during this difficult time . Thanks, Jill

PS - I am expecting to add at least 30 yards to my drive if I get John's bone marrow.