A bittersweet victory.

I met Allison in May of 2005, shortly after she had been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).  From the very first time she came into clinic, it was impossible to not be struck by her charm and poise, and the quiet strength exuded by her parents and her sister.  They have handled the ups and downs of her disease and treatment with grace and patience. 

Within a couple of months, we managed to stabilize Allison’s disease on oral chemotherapy medications.  However, CML is an uncommon form of leukemia in young adults, and while there are exciting new medications available for slowing the disease, ultimately a stem cell transplant is required in order to achieve a cure. 

As I grew to know Allison and her family, I have come to realize how truly unique and special she is.  She is so unique, in fact, that out of the 8,000,000 or so marrow samples in the National Marrow Donor Program registry, she was able to match with only one.  Determined to lead life on her own terms, Allison completed her freshman year at college before returning to Boston in June of 2006 to undergo a stem cell transplant in order to achieve a complete cure of her disease.  She came to the transplant process determined to win.  After a month in the hospital she returned home in fine spirits, focused on her recovery and on her future.  By three months, tests indicated that Allison’s leukemia was in complete remission.

While Allison was successful in her fight against leukemia, tragically, she developed severe complications from her transplant late in November.  After a truly heroic struggle to recover, passed away on January 8th, 2007.  Allison died as she lived - on her own terms, bravely, and with unmatched dignity.  While loss robbed the world of remarkable young woman, it is significantly better as a result of her life.

The unparalleled generosity of Allison and her family is demonstrated by their request for support of this fundraising effort in her honor and her memory.  Please click here to make a donation today in honor of Allison and her remarkable battle against leukemia.  Also, if you are interested in joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry, please click here for information.  You may very well help save someone’s life.