Hello!
My name is Maria. I was born on April 24, 1985 in Leningrad. I graduated from
school and a community college, then worked as a pastry chef and a cashier. I
got married early, when I was 18 years old. Our son Aleksey was born. Eighteen
months later, Alesha's father left us. For the last 5 years I have been bringing
up my son on my own.
In 2009 I started feeling unwell and went to a doctor. The tests showed that
I have MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome), a disease of bone marrow.
The doctors said I need bone marrow transplantation. My brother was tested for
his type. We hoped he would be a good match, but unfortunately, it was not the
case.
The potential donors are available at the International registry in Germany, but
I have no money to pay for the donor search (15,000 euros) and delivery of
transplant (2,500 euros).
My son is growing up without a father, but I don't want him to grow without a
mother too. Please help me. I am hoping for your understanding and support.
Update as of February 23, 2010.
Maria has low blood counts (platelets and hemoglobin) so every
two-three weeks she needs blood transfusions. She is now at the clinic
on a transfusion and she usually feels better afterwards.
In addition, Maria is given injections that increase her blood counts.
Update as of May 18, 2010.
Advita Fund USA transferred $1,000 as a partial payment for the donor
search for Maria. They earlier transferred $2,500 and $2,000 for the same
purpose.
Update as of May 19, 2010.
A week ago Maria was discharged from the hospital.
Right after the blood transfusions, she felt better but her
blood counts are going down again now. Masha's life depends on blood
transfusions and the intervals between the transfusions are getting
shorter. Unfortunately, a donor has not been found yet. Thanks to the
money raised by Advita Fund USA, a first installment for the donor
search was made, but 10,000 euros more have to be raised. Masha does
not feel very well.
Update as of July 3, 2010.
A donor for Masha was found, and the transplantation was scheduled for
mid-July. However, Masha still owes the registry for the bone marrow
collection and has no money to pay for delivery of transplant.
Update as of August 19, 2010.
During post-transplant period, Masha developed bacterial sepsis due to
suppressed immune system. It went out of control and
claimed Masha's life.
