Abelina is
Blood Cancer United

I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) while 26 weeks pregnant at 35 years old. I remember looking in the mirror one day and told my husband I looked like I was sick, but we just chalked it up to me being pregnant. A few weeks later, I found a rash on my legs and scheduled an appointment with my OB who ordered bloodwork. I was immediately told to go to the ER where I received a platelet transfusion and blood transfusion. After a few tests and a bone marrow biopsy, I was told I had AML. I couldn’t be treated close to home, so I was sent to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis so they could monitor both my baby and me while I received chemotherapy. I received two rounds of chemotherapy while pregnant, and my baby tolerated it very well. I was induced at 35½ weeks, and my son was born perfectly healthy. After he was born, I was allowed to come home for two weeks after three months of being away. I then went back to Indy for three more rounds of chemo over three months (one week at a time). During rounds three and four, I developed an infection and ended up in the ICU for 10 days. It was horrible, and I remember telling my husband I couldn’t fight anymore and wanted to give up. I am now in remission (coming up on two years). I don’t like to say I’m strong and beat AML because I feel as though I got very lucky with my gene mutation and didn’t require a bone marrow transplant.

I’ve been an Honored Hero at Light The Night (LTN) after my last chemo round, and I attended again last year. LTN is an amazing event that my husband, son, friends and I love to attend, and we raise our lanterns to everyone who has fought, survived, and continues to fight.