Stories of Inspiration and Hope

The day you were diagnosed, you become a Survivor.   The day your loved one is diagnosed, you become a Survivor too.   These stories provide hope and inspiration, role models and real life experiences for other patients and families.  Whether you are a patient, family member or friend, these poignant stories are filled with anecdotes that you'll find helpful as you learn more about your/your loved one's disease.  Each story provides insight and motivation for bravery and optimism as you/your loved one celebrates being a Survivor!

Visit this page regularly for new stories, many featured in our monthly eBulletin, that will touch your heart, give you comfort, and deepen your determination to fight these diseases.

	Read how Iva's medical treatment for MDS inspired her to become an activist for bone marrow failure disease.  Follow her example by visiting our Action Center today to urge passage of H.R. 1230, the Bone Marrow Failure Disease and Treatment Act.
	Madison started the first grade this year. She came home one recent day saying the kids had to each tell something extra special about them that was completely different from anyone else in the class.  Madison had no problem at all telling them she had aplastic anemia.
	Holly's story can give hope to someone else who is living with aplastic anemia and who may be struggling with their illness.  Her family knows all too well that it is a difficult journey, but they want others to know that it can be rewarding and inspiring as well.
	August 3rd, 2008 marked the 10th anniversary of Lou Swartz' bone marrow transplant.  He never expected that things would turn out so well. To celebrate his life, he completed a difficult 13-mile mountain bike trail.  It was like a gratitude event.
	Diagnosed with MDS  in 1993 at age 41, Patty Myers decided that a positive outlook and spirit would serve her best as she dealt with the challenges of having MDS. So when her 50th birthday came around a few years ago, she wanted to do something different to celebrate.
	Penny Hines was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia in 1999. Read about her journey and learn what she's doing now as she shares her musical talents.
	From aplastic anemia patient to survivor and activist, Andrea Rossi Pecor is a church treasurer/administrator, and former AA&MDSIF Board Member from Yorktown Heights, New York.
	Bob Karns, MDS Survivor, has an inspiring tale to tell.
	Stephen McGill, Aplastic Anemia Survivor Author of A Hurdler's Dream, Knightdale, NC Read about what this 25 year survivor is doing now.
	Truly wonderful things have happened since Carolyn first submitted her story in 2002! Be encouraged by her story and consider sharing your story of hope with us.
	In 2005, at the age of 21, and one week before he was to start his 3rd year of college, Steve Toth was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.  Share his story of hope.
	In 1988, a blood test ordered by his doctor, indicated that Ryan Jurgens had a problem, and after further testing, it was determined that he had aplastic anemia.
	Be inspired! Watch and share AA&MDSIF Stories of Hope with family and friends via YouTube.com. We'll continue to post stories to our You Tube Channel. Our thanks to those patients who bravely shared their stories with us to educate others on bone marrow failure diseases and the work of the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation. Now showing on YouTube: aplastic anemia survivor Shawntell Fowler-Taylor, MDS survivor Linda Payne, and aplastic anemia & PNH survivor Stephen King. We encourage all patients and families to share their story in writing with us by sending an email and photos.
	Meet Sherwin Baldovino of the Phillipines. Read his story and consider sharing your story of hope with others as patients and families help each other in their battle with bone marrow failure disease.
	Diagnosed with aplastic anemia over 17 years ago while a sophomore in college, Yvette Edwards shares her journey through diagnosis and recovery.  See how she is today - happy and healthy.
	Patients and family members from greater San Antonio who are facing or have faced aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH were invited to come together to meet each other, as well as AA&MDSIF representatives. New friendships, personal stories of survival, and the creation of a community of hope were the hallmark of this occasion.