In 2017, our world turned upside down when my father, Greg, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The only chance to save his life was a bone marrow transplant. Both of my uncles were tested, but neither was a match. Praying for a match, my father was placed on the donor match list.
A few days later, Greg received a call, a perfect match had been found in Hong Kong. But what came next shocked us all. That “perfect match” turned out to be my father’s own brother, Larry, who had already been tested and told he wasn’t a match. There was no explanation for how this happened, but to us, it was nothing short of a miracle from God.
On July 4, 2017, my father went to Stanford where Larry gave his stem cells and saved his life. It was an act of pure love and sacrifice that we will never forget.
But shortly after the transplant, Larry was diagnosed with cancer. He fought bravely for three years, but in December 2020, we lost him.
Larry was more than a brother or an uncle ― he was a hero. My father is alive today because of his selfless act, and we will forever honor his memory.
In the years following my father’s own battle with leukemia, I learned about the incredible work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This organization is dedicated to funding cutting-edge research and supporting patients and their families. Through their fundraising efforts, they’ve helped countless individuals like my father not only fight cancer but also find hope in the darkest of times.
Today, I share Greg and Larry's story to raise awareness and encourage others to support LLS. Because of their work, lives are being saved, and families are given a second chance. For Larry, my father, and all the heroes who have faced this battle, your strength lights the way.
Greg
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
