James's Story

Our dad found out he had high risk MDS in January of 2023. The previous year he had some indications that something was wrong. His gums were bleeding badly, he was extremely tired, and got out of breathe easily. He advocated to find out what was happening as many doctors were explaining he just had low platelets, Afib, and COPD.

I’m February he started chemo and went to other specialists to see if it would be possible for him to get a bone marrow transplant. They indicated his MDS was to advanced and with his age it was not likely. He was searching other hospitals and specialists that would do one.

After his first full round of treatment he became very week and his platelets and red blood counts were very low. They tried infusions for a couple days but he developed a major extreme headache that sent him to the emergency room, showing a brain bleed.

While in the ICU they tried transfusions but they were not working and he was admitted to hospice where he died three weeks later on St Patrick’s Day.

Our dad was the love of our family. A true family man that was married to the love of his life for 55 years. He has three children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He had so many friends that loved him so much. Our world is not the same without him. We miss his voice, his smile, and his encouragement!

We tell his story in memory of him but to also be an advocate for MDS and for early detection.

We love you Dad and Miss you every minute!