Will you help, please?

Joel ODonnell is 33 years old. He has sudden-onset AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia). He needs help to meet the mounting costs of his care.

Until April 2004 he was healthy and vigorous. 

In April he developed bruises on his body that he could not account for and a sudden, uncontrollable nose bleed that required admission to the emergency room at Palos Hospital via ambulance. In the middle of the night Doctor Stein, a hemotologist, was brought in and a preliminary diagnosis determined a course for his life and future that we could never have imagined.

Joel is an amazing young man.

He has lived an unusually clean lifestyle. He has never smoked, rarely drinks (even socially); he has never been a drug abuser. He is a young man of high moral standards and integrity. 

For the past several years Joel has given of himself unselfishly to help maintain the family unit. He has devoted himself to helping support the family since his father has lived with a severe lung condition that inhibits his ability to work.  (Exposure to black mold left his father with only one-third of his lung capacity and a dibilitating COPD condition.) 

Joel has lost over 50 pounds and gone through what can only be described as radiation sickness. His DNA is in the process of morphing to the donor's and his blood type (O-) is in the process of migrating to match the donor's (A-).

We are thankful that God has blessed and sustained our family with a "peace that passes" all human understanding. We are grateful for the prayers, calls and financial assistance. May God richly bless each one of you for you kindness. 

My Corkboard

Joel's Journey Toward Remission

Through three hospitals and several doctors and specialists Joel's diagnosis was confirmed as AML Leukemia!

That sounds bad enough until one finally realizes this is cancer; a word everyone dreads hearing and only speaks in hushed tones.

We could never have understood the full implications of this disease until we were forced to "walk in the shoes". Words are inadequate to explain the emotional trauma and mental challenge of coping with the realization that someone you love very much is in a life and death struggle.

Since April Joel has had several rounds of chemotherapy, intense full-body radiation, high-dose chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

His expenses are mounting fast and he will be unable to work for a minimum of one year, possibly two or more.

Here's how you can help:

Click on the "Donate" button to make a donation using your credit card through our secure Pay Pal account.

Your generosity will be appreciated!

Donations are also being taken at the following locations:

Diamond State Bank (any location),
Southwest Arkansas
Account Name Pay to the Order Of:  Joel O'Donnell Benefit Fund
Collections are also being taken by Carol O'Donnell and
Deanna O'Donnell

Archer Bank (any location)
Chicagoland Area
Account Name Pay to the Order Of: Joel ODonnell Benefit Fund