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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Amber being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on March 18, 2021. To say our world has turned upside down is an understatement. This diagnosis came as a complete shock to us and we are devastated.
Amber is such a hard-working person. She graduated with her Master's Degree in Accounting from James Madison University in December 2020, and is a CPA. She had just started working as an Accountant at KPMG in January 2021. She was just starting her adult life; and unfortunately had to put this exciting time of her life on hold to battle cancer. Those that know Amber, know she is a bright and bubbly light to all that know her, with a contagious laugh. Her heart is pure. She is our Sunshine Baby! Amber is such a strong person.
UPDATE
It is with heavy and broken hearts that we share the news that Amber Stefanie Takesh, age 24, has lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on October 6, 2022 with her beloved family by her side. To say our world has turned upside down is an understatement and we are completely devastated.
We wish to thank everyone for their kindness, thoughts, prayers and support during her journey and this very difficult time. There are no words to express our heartfelt gratitude for the sympathy, love and support you have extended toward our family during this unimaginable time of sadness, pain, and grief. Just know that it is deeply appreciated.
About Amber
Amber grew up in Montville, NJ and graduated from Montville Township High School in 2016. She attended James Madison University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in December 2019, and Master's Degree in Accounting in December 2020. She was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She also earned her CPA, passing all 4 parts of the CPA exam the first time with high scores. After college, Amber relocated to Arlington, Virginia and worked as an Accountant at KPMG. Amber moved back to NJ to live with her mother in Cedar Grove, NJ once diagnosed with AML.
Amber was always such a hard-working person and an overachiever. She was her own person and always marched to the beat of her own drum. She definitely was a force to be reckoned with. She was also a bright and bubbly light to all that knew her, with a contagious laugh that you couldn’t help but laugh along with, regardless of if you knew why you were laughing. Her light could fill up a room. Her heart was pure and she was such a genuine caring person. She was loved and she touched so many lives. She was our Amber Baby, also known as our Amber Sunshine.
Amber fought such a hard fight since her diagnosis in March 2021. She truly was the ultimate warrior. She faced her battle with courage, strength, positivity, composure, determination, dignity and grace. She would not let leukemia define her. We are all in awe of her. We are truly broken and this loss will leave a tremendous void in our lives. We lost our Sunshine so our days will forever be darker, but her light will live in us and we will live for her.
During her leukemia battle Amber kept busy. She read 67 books, completed 85 puzzles, did many art projects, played games, watched her favorite TV shows and found new ones to watch, knitted a blanket, practiced yoga, meditation and reiki, walked, did writing exercises, participated in cancer support groups, and authored an article which was recently published in “Elephants and Tea.”
https://elephantsandtea.com/patients/fight-stubborn-with-stubborn/ (
https://elephantsandtea.com/patients/fight-stubborn-with-stubborn/)
Amber was treated and cared for by the most dedicated and caring medical teams and staff at the John Theurer Cancer Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. She was more than just a patient, she was treated like family and she was loved. We laughed and cried together. We are so grateful for the compassionate care and attention she received from everyone.
We are so proud of Amber. Even at the end, she continued to be brave and strong and communicated her wishes. She's truly our hero and always will be. The world needs more people like Amber. Live your life in strength, peace and light like our Amber Baby Sunshine. Think of her, and think to yourself "What would Amber do?" 💛🌻 #amberstrong
It is our hope that cures for blood cancers will be developed so no one else has to go through what our family has. No parent should lose a child, no sibling should lose their sibling, no family member should lose their family member, and no friend should lose their friend to this horrible, cruel disease. We did not get our cure and better days, but we hope others can.
About AML
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow and the blood and progresses rapidly. AML starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), but most often it quickly moves into the blood, as well. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The awareness ribbon color for leukemia is orange.
Most often, AML develops from cells that would turn into white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), but sometimes AML develops in other types of blood-forming cells. AML can be a difficult disease to treat and requires inpatient treatment. Researchers are studying new approaches to AML therapy in clinical trials. There is no known cause for most cases of AML. For most people who have AML, there are no obvious reasons (risk factors) why they developed the disease. As the doctor has said, it's a matter of having bad luck. Treatment consists of inpatient chemotherapy/other drug therapies, as well as regular blood transfusions for 6-12 months, depending on how Amber's body reacts to treatment, and she may require a bone marrow transplant. During this time, Amber will be very sick and will be unable to work/function normally. We pray for a cure.
Amber's friends have set up a Go Fund Me Account to help with the financial burden. Link is below.
Thank you.
Love,
Marie & Steve
Amber's Parents
& Amanda (Amber's sister)
https://gofund.me/d3bd1f1b 
