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| Brett's Story |
"Brett's Story"
Brett Melworm is 40 years old, married 11 years to his wife Stephanie, and dad to
their two precious little girls, four year old Lily and two year old Rebecca.
For the past several years Brett has been very proactive about his health, exercising
regularly, eating healthy in top physical and psychological shape. All aspects of his
life were in order and life was good.
Things changed August 25th.
Within 12 hours of walking into the Hunterdon Medical Center emergency room that
day, suffering from severe and sudden lower back pain, Brett was diagnosed with
acute myelogenous leukemia, one of the most aggressive and lethal types of this
disease. He was rushed that day to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New
Brunswick NJ and the first of two intensive rounds of chemotherapy began, in
addition to endless testing, and endless waiting. The chemotherapy was successful
in achieving remission. Further test results have concluded that in order to keep the
leukemia in remission, a bone marrow transplant is necessary. After first testing
family members, Brett was entered into the international bone marrow transplant
donor registry which, after searching several million donors, located three potential
candidates. However, as these are not perfect matches, and there is additional
testing required, there is no guarantee a donor has been found.
It is imperative that as many potential bone marrow donors can be located as quickly
as possible. Genetics determine the best match.
Brett is Jewish, of eastern European descent.
These are the two websites to best guide you through the process. Or, you can
contact a local blood bank.
www.dkmsamericas.org/category/home
www.marrow.org
We are appealing to as many families as possible to register to be a bone marrow
donor and spread the word. It requires a simple cheek swab that will be obtained
that day. There will be no cost involved. Knowledgeable people will be on hand to
answer questions you may have. We are confident that together we can help this
family
With our sincerest appreciation and gratitude,
Stephanie, Lily, Rebecca, the family and extended family of Brett Melworm