Emilie Joly

I donate blood in honor of my mother, Maureen Joly. My mom was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer, right after a routine hysterectomy procedure to remove “fibroids.”  These fibroids were, in fact, malignant tumors that had grown to the size of a cantaloupe in her uterus and abdomen. During her hysterectomy procedure turned tumor removal, she needed several blood transfusions and came out of the surgery several hours later.  She healed relatively quickly and we nursed her back to health for a month before she started chemotherapy.  Throughout her chemo treatment, she received regular blood transfusions to keep her while blood cell count up and to help her feel better overall.  My mom lost her battle at age 57, just three months after she was diagnosed.  I cannot express how vital it was for her to be able to receive transfusions throughout her battle.  She was the most loving, charismatic, person I will ever know and I will continue to honor her with frequent blood donations to help others going through similar struggles.