My dad was first diagnosed with MDS, a rare form of blood cancer, in 2020. Unfortunately, two years after recieving an initially successful stem cell transplant, his MDS returned and morphed into an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) last year. He underwent a second stem cell transplant this April and, despite many setbacks, was working to build strength -- of body and spirit -- each day. Unfortunately on September 7, 137 after his transplant, he passed away surrounded by his family.
Please read the note my dad wrote in August below and consider joining us at the 2025 Move for MDS walk in Boston this October 19th or contributing to our team fundraising goal. My dad was really looking forward to this year's walk and committed to raising awareness and funds for MDS research and treatment. Thank you for your support; it means the world to my family, and me.
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Dear Friends,
The 2025 Move for MDS walk is on Sunday, October 19th, at Boston Common. I want to thank all of you who participated by walking and/or donating in 2024. I am asking you to join Team Ireland again this year to raise awareness of MDS and funding for research.
Many of you know that I underwent a second stem cell transplant this past spring. Recovery has been slow. I've had several setbacks, including significant pulminary issues due to graft vs. host disease (GvHD), resulting in the need for oxygen upon exertion. Hopefully this will resolve with time. I am grateful for all the support from friends and family, especially from my donor and my healthcare providers.
God willing, I will be able to participate in the MDS walk this October, and I sincerely hope that you can join my family and me on this year's walk or contribute to our team fundraising goal.
Most importantly, I appreciate your prayers for my health and my family.
With much appreciation,
Alec
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If you have friends or family between the ages of 18 and 40, please encourage them to sign up for a cheek swab kit to join the national bone marrow donor registry, NMDP. Joining the registry could be the first step to saving someone’s life. Donating is not that invasive – just a little more intense than giving blood – and donors truly are lifelines for MDS patients; I wouldn’t be here today without them. Stem cells are used to cure and treat over 75 different blood cancers and blood diseases, including MDS, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and more. Please consider joining the registry and becoming a lifeline as a stem cell donor: https://my.nmdp.org/s/join