June & July 2023 Updates
Wednesday July 26, 2023
It’s been quite a while since we last gave you an update. Things have been moving in the right direction with some predictable and not so predictable detours along the way. Mary’s numbers continue to improve and she wanted to put out this latest update!
Hi everyone,
It’s me! I’m writing to let you know that things are going well for Jack and me here in Durham. It’s been a long road with some rough patches for sure but today I feel great! My blood work is getting back in line and my doctors are happy with my progress. I’m hoping that sometime in August I’ll be able to come home and continue my healing process. Jack and I truly feel all your prayers and good thoughts! We’ve been blown away by the cards, gifts and everything else you have sent my way. We will be forever grateful and there is no doubt that I would not have made it this far without all of you.
More to come I promise! You guys are the best!!
Monday June 26thHappy Monday, everyone.
Here is a quick update to let you know that Mary continues to improve, and her white blood cells are now well within the range we were looking for. The great doctors at Duke are pleased with her progress, and she continues to handle the ups and downs like a real champion.
Speaking of Champions, Jack is doing a great job caring for Mary. Weather permitting, they take walks every day before things heat up.
Please keep all the prayers and positive thoughts coming. We know Mary would not be where she is today without all of you!
Saturday June 10thMary continues to show improvement and her blood counts are rising! She will be in Durham at least another 2 months but we are all so happy for the good news! Her and Jack are feeling good and enjoying a less stressful time. We will keep you updated in the next few weeks but feel free to reach out to her at:Also, we have a swab donor drive at MegaCorp on June 15th from 10AM – 2pm in their courtyard at 1011 Ashes Drive. Our flyer is attached.For those with family and friends in the age range of 18-40 years old, please encourage them to stop by. Also, feel free to forward this flyer onto others as well.Have a great weekend.
May 2023 Updates
Wednesday, May 31st
The last two weeks have been a struggle for Mary, Jack and the family. There were predictable complications from the stem cell transplant but of course, Mary stayed strong. I am happy to report that Mary’s body is now responding to the new cells, and it appears that her blood work is starting to slowly recover!
We are so grateful for all the prayers and support and ask that you keep sending them Mary’s way. There is a long road ahead but just as you would guess, she is one strong woman and an inspiration to all of us. It is such a gift to be able share this good news!!
Sunday, May 14th
Happy Mothers Day!
Today is the last day of post transplant chemo! This is a good day for Mary and no surprise that she remains strong and fully focused on the road to recovery. More updates to come in the days and weeks ahead as Mary begins her 90-day recovery schedule.
We hope all the mothers and mother figures out there have a wonderful day❤️
Friday May 12th
Good morning, all,
Today is Day +2 for Mary.
Yesterday was a tough day and she was admitted to the hospital with fever. The great team at Duke knew just what to do to get her back in line. I just talked to her this morning and she sounds very strong and was drinking coffee. In her words “it’s the best I’ve felt for a long time”. It’s a marathon, not a race and so we are thankful for this good day. Hopefully she will be released to go back to her apartment today.
Keep those good thoughts and prayers coming and have a great weekend.
Dee
Tuesday, May 9th
Good morning, all,
Today is Day -1 for Mary.
She came through the preparation chemo just as we knew she would. I had a quick call with her yesterday, and she sounds strong and ready for the big day – tomorrow!
Tomorrow is Day Zero!
For all the waiting and procedures, the stem cell transplant will be over and done in 45 minutes. We have hoped and prayed about this day for so many long months. Finally, with God’s help, it is here. Mary said this is her Re-Birthday, so tomorrow begins a new journey for Mary and Jack.
We are also so very grateful to that one donor in Germany that stayed strong through all the delays and continued to say “yes”. The gift this donor has given is beyond any words, she is truly saving our Mary’s life.
We will update you as we get more progress reports from Jack.
Mary truly loves to hear from all of you and as always, you can reach out to her at:
Sunday, May 7th
The chemo treatments have gone well for Mary. That’s not to say they have not been challenging but side effects are being managed as well as possible. Today marks the last day of chemo for Mary before the stem cell transplant which is scheduled for Wednesday. Mary and the family appreciate all of your prayers and positive thoughts. She is a fighter and continues to stay strong and fully focused on what comes next.
Wednesday, May 3rd.
Mary and Jack left Monday for Duke. As of today, she is scheduled to start the 5-day chemo treatment on the 4th (Days -5 to -1) and has the stem cell transplant (Day-0) on May 9th or 10th.
The donor in Germany is already starting their prework, and as we stand today, all is on schedule!
I imagine Mary’s communication will be limited for the next 4-6 weeks. Mary loves to get messages of love and encouragement from you, her friends and family so reach out directly at:
The transplant team is asking that no food or flowers be sent to Mary to cut down the chance of infections as much as possible.
Mary and Jack are in very good spirits and ready to get going on the cure! Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to all of us, but I know Mary, especially, gets strength from knowing we are all in her corner!
More good news to come, I’m sure
There are no words to describe the loss we feel after losing my sweet sister, Mary, on Monday after a long battle with Leukemia. Mary fought long and hard and was a true warrior, but in the end, this cruel disease was just too much. Mary was surrounded by all those who loved her as she peacefully left this earth and was renewed in body and spirit for all eternity.
Thank you to all those who volunteered and helped to raise awareness and worked so hard to grow the stem cell donor bank. NONE of your work is in vain, and ALL of your work now and in the future is in honor of a light that left us way too soon.
We will continue this fight to help others get a chance at a life-saving stem cell transplant. Mary’s match was 1 in 39 million, and that match came too late to save our dear Mary. But her story is strong evidence that we MUST keep fighting this disease and work together to one day find a cure. I know this is what Mary would want. That something beautiful and life-giving comes out of this tragedy.
In Mary’s name, we have already added around 250 donors to the Be The Match registry, and our sincere prayer is that one of you will one day get a call and say YES to saving a life.
But we need more donors!
If you are 18-40, YOU can save a life, too.
TEXT: TEAM NANA to 61474 to have a simple cheek swab kit sent to you.
From our entire family, thank you all for your love, kindness and support you have shown.
It is our mission and yours to find that part of Mary we loved and carry that light forward into our world.