Sarah McMahan has donated to Courtenay Wallpe, who is a mther in need of a bone marrow tyransplant. Here is her story:
In late 2010, Courtenay Silvergleid Wallpe was diagnosed with a particularly life threatening strain of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Since that time, the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends as well as various complementary treatments have helped immeasurably in supporting Courtenay and enabling her to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Unfortunately, she has not been able to achieve remission despite enduring 11 rounds of Vidaza (chemotherapy) and it appears that her only hope to witness her precious boys (Zachary and Zander) grow up is to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant.
After an extensive visit and tour in March, Courtenay made the decision to undergo the transplant procedure at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, one of the world’s leading bone marrow transplants center. She was incredibly impressed both with the technical skill of the center and the care and concern exhibited for the well being of the patients. Thankfully, a suitable donor match has been identified and Courtenay and her family head to Seattle on May 26th. Courtenay’s process will entail extensive testing, chemotherapy and radiation to prepare her body for the transplant, hospitalization following the transplant to allow for engraftment, and a stay in a private facility for several months to allow for monitoring and recuperation. Her disease is progressing quite rapidly so we are relieved that things are moving along quickly.
Regrettably, insurance will not come close to covering all the costs associated with this five month long process and the Wallpes’ expected out of pocket expenses approximate $100,000. To help offset these uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in Courtenay’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Donations will help defray costs for:
- Bone marrow donor search
- Medical expenses of transplant and recovery not covered by insurance
- Child care for the boys
- Housing for Courtenay and a caregiver in Seattle during her rehabilitation
- Travel expenses
- Alternative treatments to enable Courtenay to better battle the significant side effects of the chemotherapy, radiation and transplant
While Courtenay is battling her disease and worrying endlessly about Zachary (8), Zander (4), and Bryan, we can all help her by alleviating some of the family’s financial burdens. Please consider making a donation today.
Please make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive
Note in memo section:
In Honor of Courtenay Wallpe
Please send to:
HelpHOPELive
150 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Suite F-120
Radnor, PA 19087
For credit card contributions, please call 800.642.8399 or select the “Donate Now” button.
Our thanks for all that you do! Keep HOPE alive!
If interested in joining Sarah help Courtenay, please visit: http://www.helphopelive.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/9B5695B9-08AC-6F4F-BFF75FC80C5A567A
As a sign of our support and appreciation, Corporate Visions has made a matching donation to HelpHOPELive on behalf of Sarah McMahan.
