Prayer & Blood request

[treewoman]

Some of you know that stepson, Matthew Bumpus, is currently in the hospital battling his second round of Leukemia. Matt has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), which is an extremely aggressive form of leukemia. Matt’s doctors initially diagnosed him as having chromosome damage due to radiation exposure and we know AML can be caused by chemical exposures (specifically Benzene& radiation). When Matt served in the Army in Iraq he guarded some chemical spills/sites and was exposed to Depleted Uranium as well – as Matt was never exposed to radiation in civilian life (prior to chemotherapy) the obvious conclusion is that the chromosome damage and ensuing AML were caused by exposure of some kind during his military service. Unfortunately, the V.A. has denied this connection and subsequent benefits. Matt is not the only veteran this has happened to – for additional information on this you can check our web site at www.iraqradiation.com

Matt has gone through his first round of chemotherapy and continues to have frequent blood transfusions, as well as other treatments. Meanwhile, the National Bone Marrow Registry has started the search to find a life-saving bone marrow match for Matt.

I would like to invite you to attend a Bone Marrow/Blood Drive & Dessert Social for Matt on Monday, May 19th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church, 706 Atlantic Street in Roseville. Joining the National Bone Marrow Registry is very simple – a quick swipe of your mouth with a q-tip and a little paperwork. Due to special grants there will be no charge for joining the registry (usually there is a charge of $52. per person to pay for the extensive DNA testing required). We are hoping for some volunteers to bake desserts and help on the day of the event, if you are interested please give me a call or drop me a line at Treewoman911@aol.com. If you are unable to attend the drive but would like to donate blood or platlets in Matt’s name you can do so through any Blood Source (http://www.bloodsource.org/ ) using his number P560 or his name “Matthew Bumpus”.


On behalf of Matt and the entire family I want to thank all of you for your support, prayers and concern. I am so grateful to all of the Kingsfans who have added Matt and his family to their prayer chain and who have donated blood in his name. I can not tell you how much it means to us.

Thank you!

Laura Bumpus

 

[Dime Dropper]

Wow, I really wish your stepson all the best. That's really tragic - hopefully he'll pull through. I'm sure it's a difficult time for you all and I'll be sure to pray for him. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to help (live in Europe, can't donate blood anyway) but I really will keep him in my prayers. Best of luck and let him know he's in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[linzeesan]

Your story is very moving and your stepson is also in my prayers. It' sad that the VA has denied connection. I live on the east coast so I cannot attend the event but I'll give blood over here in hopes that it helps at least one other person. I wish you well with your drive and please update us on his condition.

 

[kennadog]

My thoughts and prayers are with Matthew and the whole family, Treewoman. I can't give blood, but I'll spread the word.

 

[treewoman]

Thank you all very, very much!! I really appreciate it. Matt is very fortunate that there are so many kind people in the world. He is getting blood and/or platelets nearly every day. And really it is like watching a miracle happen - he'll be very lethargic and out of it and then as he gets blood/platlets you can see a tremendous difference in him.

Your prayers & help w/spreading the word & blood donations are deeply appreciated!

 

[nancgo]

TW, I'm pulling for Matt, and will include him with the others I'm honoring as I'm training to ride around Lake Tahoe. The last 4 years I have been involved with the Greater Sacramento Area Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Cycle team. We are training for a century ride, which is a 100 mile ride. On June 1st we will be riding around Lake Tahoe along with 3,000 other Team in Training cyclists who are all raising money to fight blood cancers.

For those who may want to help but can't make it to the May 19th event, please consider donating to my fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/tntsac/tntsacNGonzal

The society provides money for research and support programs for the patients and their families. Any assistance is appreciated.

I'm riding in honor of survivors and in memory of those who have passed. Their names are on my helmet as I'm riding to remind me, climbing hills is nowhere near as painful as going through chemo.

Matt's riding with me now, Treewoman!

 

[treewoman]

Thank you so much - I will add you info to our web page too!!

 

[Prophetess]

I didn't want this to get lost. Hopefully you have enough help lined up.

 

[Prophetess]

bump

 

[treewoman]

Thank you all!

We had an absolutely amazing drive!! I want to thank all of you for your prayers and support.

Especially Prophetess - who makes THE BEST chocolate/strawberry cake in the entire world and was there working in the heat all day long!!!!!!! And to VF who helped in a zillion amazing ways.

We were busy from the minute we started and ended up being there two hours latter than we thought. Blood source was thrilled. We had 128 people sign up to give blood (and wait in long lines) with 95 pints collected and 250 people (who also waited in long lines) signed up for the Bone Marrow Registry. According to the gals at Blood Source this is one of the most successful drives they have held! It is incredibly inspiring to have so many people come out and donate their time, blood and marrow!!

Matt is in and out of the hospital. Right now, he is feeling pretty good and antsy - trying to talk the doctors into releasing him (a good sign).

Kingsfans are not only the most awesome basketball fans but the most incredible people as well. Thank you!!!!

Love,
Laura

 

[nancgo]

I wanted to chime in and say it was awesome. I signed up for the Bone Marrow Registry and met some great people. Prophetess was helping in there, so we were able to chat up the Monarchs a little. There were a ton of people and it was great to see such support in the community. I also found out there weren't that many people of Hispanic descent in the registry so they were happy that I registered.

Treewoman, I hope Matt is doing well. He has lots of well-wishers and supporters, and I'm happy to be in the fold!