Last October my mom was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare type of blood cancer that can eventually turn into Leukemia. It’s a nasty disease that will likely shorten her life. Blood transfusions have since become a necessary part of her regular care and keep her alive. If you can't donate money, donate blood! It saves lives and helps more than you know.
MDS is often underdiagnosed, with an estimated 10,000-30,000 new cases each year. It is a bone marrow failure disorder where the body no longer makes enough healthy, normal blood cells in the bone marrow. The only known cure for myelodysplastic syndrome is a bone marrow transplant, and this treatment is not available to every patient with MDS, and unfortunately my mom is not a candidate.
I'm raising money for The Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation
I’m participating in the '26 Move for MDS: Virtual, a fundraiser supporting The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation. Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.
Here's how you can help:
Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
Donate Blood: Check out local blood drives near you. The American Red Cross is a great resource. Blood donations save lives and keep people with MDS alive
Join My Team: Click the "Register Now" button and let's get started raising awareness and support for the MDS community - TOGETHER!
Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
Thank you for standing by me as I work to raise awareness and support for all those impacted by MDS. Your support means the world to me and my family.
Why I Move for MDS
There are as estimated 60,000-170,000 people living with MDS in the United States. The average age of affected individuals with MDS is 73, with 86% of MDS patients over the age of 60. 1 in 3 MDS patients will progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer. The MDS Foundation is one of only a couple advocacy groups dedicated solely to those affected by this rare disease and is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by MDS through patient support, professional education, research, and advocacy. The MDS Foundation serves approximately 400 new MDS patients and caregivers annually - providing free education, resources and support. The MDS Foundation’s annual Move for MDS 5k walk series helps increase awareness, accelerate research, and raise critical support for our MDS community.