Jim Mahoney

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Jim was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in August 2018. Over the following months, Jim would receive numerous blood transfusions while starting an active treatment of a non invasive chemo. During this time, Jim also continued to be the primary caregiver for Sharri, the love of his life, while she was going through the late stages of Alzheimer’s. The initial form of chemo did keep the leukemia at bay, but it did not significantly change his status.

After Sharri’s passing in December 2018, Jim started a new form of chemo which was still able to be administered to him outpatient through the infusion center at the John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines. After just several rounds of this chemo with very minimal side effects, Jim reached remission (this was much quicker than expected)!! However, remission with AML thru chemo is only temporary and the only way to be ‘cured’ is thru a stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

Fortunately Jim’s brother, John, is a 100% perfect match for him. We will be forever thankful for this and his willingness to be a stem cell donor for Jim. Johnny will donate his stem cells on May 23, 2019.

Jim was admitted to the Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant unit at the University of Iowa Medical Center in Iowa City on May 18, 2019. He will receive 6 days of heavy chemo leading up to Transplant Day on May 24, which is known at the hospital as ‘Day 0’.

Jim is probably looking at a full month stay in the hospital in Iowa City as he goes thru the stem cell transplant and his body recovers from the chemo and works to accept the donor stem cells. His recovery will continue for 9-12 months after being discharged from the hospital.

We cannot say enough how thankful we are for each and every one of you that is in our lives. Thank you for all of your time, words, texts, calls, and prayers. Especially the prayers!! This is going to be a long tough road. We’re trusting in God and His perfect plan for us, and we know that He doesn’t let things happen to people that can’t handle it (and no one can handle this with more patience, bravery, strength and love than Jim). Thank you all for everything!


Don’t Postpone Joy!
Erin & Pat
Tim & Shannon
Mike & Pam