Meet Evelyn!

Evelyn is a loving mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to teaching children with special needs.  After over 25 years in the education profession, she is now in her retirement years.  She was looking forward to watching her grandson grow, traveling with family and friends, attending Elvis Tribute Artist competitions,  and simply living life to her fullest.  

In October 2022, Evelyn's world was turned upside down when doctors discovered cancer during a routine blood test.  Her diagnosis was Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - a cancer of the blood and bone that interferes with the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.  AML is a highly aggressive form of cancer.  So far, Evelyn has completed two rounds of chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering and is now approved for a bone marrow transplant.  It is her only chance for a cure.  Without the transplant, she will have to endure more debilitating rounds of chemotherapy. 

As an Ashkenazi Jew, whose ancestors lived in Russia and Poland, her chances of finding a perfect match are more difficult.  We are reaching out to Jewish communities everywhere to add more donors to the registry.  Won't you help us give this Elvis superfan back precious years that she deserves to enjoy. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Join the registry! Click on the blue "Get Swabbed" button.
  • Donors may join the registry on turning 18. The registry is free to join for Donors aged 18-35.  Donors over the age of 35 can join the registry but we ask that you to please donate $60 to offset the lab fees – Click here to learn why.
  • Eighty percent of donors requested by transplant centers are 18 to 35 years old for medical reasons – Click here to learn why Age Matters.
  • Donors can remain in the registry until their 61st birthday – Click here to learn why the registry has an Age Limit.
  • Certain medical conditions may mean you are not able to join the registry or donate – Click here to check the Conditions List. If you're not sure, a health history questionnaire is part of the registration process.
• Sponsor a swab kit. Click on the orange "Give to Circle" button. Lab processing of every kit costs $60. Your contribution will help add new donors to the registry, who may be a match for Evelyn or another patient.
• Spread the word. Use the social media links to the right to share Evelyn's story in your Facebook and Twitter account. The more people who order a swab kit and join the registry, the faster Evelyn will find a donor.