DURAN
WHILE IT usually hits people who are in their 50s and 60s, myelofibrosis strikes deathly fear when it affects young people. It is “a serious bone marrow disorder that disrupts the body’s normal production of blood cells, and results in extensive scarring of the bone marrow, leading to severe anemia, weakness, fatigue and an enlarged spleen and liver.”
Patients may eventually develop a more serious form of leukemia—but, it’s also possible to be symptom-free for years. Gradually, the signs and symptoms emerge: You feel tired or weak. There’s shortness of breath, fever, pale skin, frequent infections or bone pain. You easily bruise/bleed, or sweat excessively during sleep.
But, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota USA says there’s hope.
For seven years, Mara Duran had problems with her throat and was given radiation. Soon, she was weakened by a bone marrow disorder that requires constant blood transfusion. Now, she needs to raise P3 million for her operation.
To help Mara’s cash-strapped family, her aunt, painter Lydia Velasco-Cruz, is selling her paintings to raise funds for her operation (call 0917 899-1942). Deposit your donations at RCBC c/a 7-589 174652 in favor of Lydia V. Cruz.