POWER OF GIVING

RAISING A GIVING CHILD

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OPERATION COMFORT ME

QUEEN ME!

Imagine feeling completely fine one day and then having your life turned upside down within a matter of weeks due to a disease that you never knew existed.  That's what happened to Bernadette Catrabone.  At the age of 38 and in the prime of fully enjoying her life, she was struck with Aplastic Anemia, a life-threatening disease of the bone marrow.

Bernadette's Story

In 2007, Bernadette Catrabone was just like many of us, loaded with energy and actively enjoying life to the fullest with her family and friends.  She loved being a busy mom and wife.  She was cheering on her oldest daughter, Gabrielle, at her high school soccer tournaments.  She was volunteering at her other daughter, Ava's school.  She was spending time at home with her young son, Gian.  And, she was enjoying occasional "date nights" with her husband, Matt.  Then a few things started to change - but initially not enough to signal danger.

In early 2008, she first stared to feel fatigued.  She brushed the signal aside, thinking "Well, what mother isn't tired?"  Then her body started to bruise, another signal, however she thought it was due to diet or a low iron issue.

Bernadette discovered she needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life, which would require her to be under doctors' care AND be away from home for 100 days.  To prep her for the transplant, she had 50 blood transfusions and just as many platelet transfusions.  She also had multiple chemotherapy sessions and high doses of steroids.  The treatment was rigorous.  She was exhausted and very ill.  Simultaneously, while her body was being prepared for the physical component, she was struggling with the mental component of losing her hair, the ugly side effects of steroids and trying to come to terms with the fact that she would be leaving her family for 3 months.  Her whole life was turned upside down.

Another challenge for Aplastic Anemia and other bone marrow failure disorder patients, is to find a donor.  Luckily, Bernadette's sister, Erica, was a perfect match and selflessly donated her bone marrow, in addition to quitting her job to care for Bernadette and her children before and after the transplant. 

The hardship did not end there.  Bernadette's immune system was wiped clean, and the new bone marrow had to "graph" or conform to her body, therefore, she needed to stay germ-free for a period of time, hence the 100 days.  A mere cold could be fatal, and due to the fact that children are high carriers of germs, she was not able to see her kids during that time... something that weighed heavily on her heart, and those of her family's.

Bernadette persevered.  She followed the instructions of her doctors and today, is back at home living life to the fullest with her husband and children.  This past May, she helped Gabrielle get ready for her prom, witnessed her graduating from high school and sign a soccer scholarship to Mercyhurst College.

Bernadette is a survivor.  In the Aplastic Anemia community, five years is the benchmark for success - and she is on her second year as a survivor.  Bernadette feels blessed and fortunate to have received her bone marrow transplant and feels it is her calling to continue her fight for Aplastic Anemia.

Her mission is to raise both awareness and funds for Aplastic Anemia.  She wants people to realize how fatal this disease can be.  It's not diabetes.  It's not cancer.  Aplastic Anemia is a life-threatening disease that is not well known, therefore, not well funded.  This potentially deadly disease prohibits the bone marrow from making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body.  (For more information about this disease, visit www.aamds.org.).

Bernadette's struggle with Aplastic Anemia and determination to beat it has become an inspiration to all.  Her positive energy and gratitude for life is contagious.  The Blood, Sweat & Cheers Team is continually amazed at her strength and vitality in the face of such adversity.  Bernadette is an Aplastic Anemia survivor... and star!

Celebration Donation has been created with you in mind, for individuals that want to make a difference - and share the gift of giving with family and friends.  Celebration Donation is a convenient online nonprofit that combines giving and celebrating, offering an exciting way to be social and socially responsible. 

It's easy to do.  Through Celebration Donation, you will be able to make a donation to the Aplastic Anemia Foundation by sending a Celebration Donation eCard to someone special or through the Celebration Donation "virtual party" invite the Blood, Sweat & Cheers Team is sending.