This page is dedicated to our mother, Jessie Stamper Gibson (known to everyone as Gran). She was our biggest cheerleader. Gran was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in the fall of 2005 and died of complications of this disease in January 2007. Throughout her struggle with MDS, she never lost her sense of humor or love of life. One of Grans’ wishes was that her battle with MDS could be used to help raise awareness of this little known, but deadly disease. We had never heard of Myelodysplastic Syndromes until our mother was diagnosed with it. But it did not take us long to realize that we were not alone, few people, including some in the medical field, had ever heard of MDS. Our family found ourselves struggling to understand this disease until someone told us about the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AA&MDSIF). Their website and newsletters not only provided us with educational and medical information, they gave us a connection to other people and families who were living with this disease.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes are a group of bone marrow failure disorders that occur when bone marrow stem cells malfunction and produce too many defective blood cells and not enough normal blood cells. These diseases can strike any person anywhere in the world of any age, gender, race or ethnicity. There is not a lot known about these diseases and there are few treatments.
To find information about Myelodysplastic Syndrome and other rare bone marrow diseases go to the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation website.
Gran's was one of the more severe cases, as she was deficient in all blood cells, white, red and platelets. She received blood transfusions almost weekly and platelet infusions twice weekly. She experienced numerous other medical problems from this disease resulting in frequent stays in the hospital.
join us to help fulfill Gran's wish ...
We sincerely hope that you, your family or friends are never faced with the reality of being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Because the reality is there is still little known about these deadly bone marrow diseases and there are few treatments. More funds need to be designated for research and development of treatment options.
what you can do to help DONATE ONLINE to the AA&MDSIF or download a donation form that can be mailed to: GOODSEARCH.COM ... make GoodSearch.com your main search engine, and you can raise money for AA&MDSIF with each search. GoodSearch.com is powered by Yahoo. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine. The money GoodSearch donates to AA&MDSIF comes from its advertisers. GOODSHOP.COM ... IGIVE.COM shop online at these sites and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to AA&MDSIF. Yes, it's that simple, but you must begin your shopping at the Goodshop and iGive sites. There are more than 600 participating stores including Old Navy, Macy's, Sephora, Circuit City, Amazon, iTunes, and many more. Be sure to check out both sites when shopping.
SAVE A LIFE ... donate blood, platelets or bone marrow to extend and improve the lives of people suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes and other bone marrow failure diseases. Gran received platelets twice weekly and blood transfusions almost weekly. Information about donating can be found through the American Red Cross or America's Blood Centers.
EDUCATE YOURSELF and others about Myelodysplastic Syndromes. The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AA&MDSIF) is an independent nonprofit organization. They help fund medical research, provide patient assistance and emotional support, and distribute educational materials and updated medical information.
Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 613, Annapolis, MD, 21404-0613
PHONE: 800.747.2820
FAX: 410.867.0240
IN THE NEWS read what O, the Oprah Magazine, newspapers, ABC News, WAVE3, and other networks have to say about GoodSearch and GoodShop.
BAG44 purse magnets
Raise money for the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation.
MDS fund raiser
purse magnets
Yes these are magnets ... and they are all handmade just like our bags!
To help raise awareness and fund research of MDS, BAG44 will donate 20% of every magnet sold to the AA&MDSIF.
The purse magnets are made of the same fabrics, leather, and suede used to make BAG44 handbags; unique, detailed, adorable ... and a must-have for anyone who collects magnets or purses.
Magnets made by Justin Keibler
Twelve (12) BAG44 Magnets were sold at the 2008 Arts on the Green show in LaGrange KY. 50% ($36) was donated to the AA&MDSIF in memory of Jessie Stamper Gibson.
