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Stories of Hope

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To better understand the impact of bone marrow failure, we present stories told by the patients, parents, family members, and spouses who are living with these illnesses. Our entire community benefits from the insightful stories patients and family members share with us about their personal journeys.

Rosalie Rifkin

Rosalie Rifkin, Active Grandmother from Tarzana, California

I was diagnosed with MDS in about 2003 at age 63.  I am now 72 years old and will be married 52 years in June.  I have not taken medication for the last three years.  I go to a wonderful doctor at UCLA who is doing research on MDS.  I feel fine and I am not excessively tired.  My hemoglobin is only 7.2, but my doctor says that if I feel alright, I don't need to take any medication. I get up early every morning and walk three to five miles.  I play tennis, go clogging and hike.  I also go to a...