Mary’s Story

Site created on July 29, 2023

Hello,

My mom has begun the challenge to overcome cancer.  I know that she can do it and it will be great to have lots of support.  The initial diagnosis of leukemia came in late April of 2023.  However, we caught it early and it is now considered to be a pre-leukemia rare blood cancer known as “MDS” or myelodysplastic syndrome.  For now, all of her blood counts are critically low and that means it could be very easy for her to get sick and we will do whatever it takes to protect her from illness.  She cannot have things like fresh flowers or fruits and vegetables.  Paper cards are always a plus.  Come August 19th she will begin the process to get a bone marrow transplant at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC.  For the state of North Carolina, Duke has been regarded as the best place to be.  Her journey there will last approximately 3 months.  We will take turns being at her side during this process.  We will take all the positivity that we can get.  Although I am no oncologist, I hope to use my knowledge as a nurse to make this process as smooth as can be.

Thanks,

Emily Minkin

Mary’s Daughter

Newest Update

April 28, 2024

Journal entry by Emily Minkin —

Dearest loved ones,

I wanted to clarify what I meant about a simple donation to MD Anderson's cancer patients.  Although a financial contribution to MD Anderson is always welcome it is a blood donation that is priceless.  Mary may not need white cells at this time, but she continues to need red blood cells and platelets on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.  There are some things that money can't buy and there are certainly some things that money can't create and blood donations is one of them.  As a nurse I have seen the priceless need for blood products.  If you make it to Texas and want to donate red blood cells or platelets there is a location open 7 days a week.   If MD Anderson is the #1 cancer center in the country then they must need the most blood donations of any other health care facility in the nation.  If this letter motivates you to donate to your local red cross then you might just save a life.  After a year of watching my mom battle a blood cancer, I have never felt so passionate about the beauty of taking the time to donate.  Donating blood might feel like nothing to the donor and everything to the patient.  We thank you all for your support in whatever form that it comes in. 

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."  - Mohammed Ali

Thank you,

Emily Minkin

eeknollman@gmail.com

Mary's daughter ❤️

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