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Her Story
Ann Marie, 28 year old wife and mother of three, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia shortly after the birth of her third son Luke, who is now 11 months old. Her oldest son is Jack, 3 1/2 years old, and in the middle is Adrian at 22 months. Beginning in March 2004, Ann Marie spent 7 weeks in the hospital getting chemotherapy. For six out of the seven weeks she was not able to see her children. Within 3 weeks after being released from the hospital the cancer had returned and another round of chemotherapy was needed. Again she returned to the hospital. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, she was never healthy enough to receive the bone marrow transplant that was to save her life. Eight weeks later, On August 3, 2004, Ann Marie lost her short, yet brave, battle with cancer, leaving behind her husband John and her three young children. Ann Marie was a beautiful person, inside and out, and touched many lives. We are all extremely saddened by this loss.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Ann Marie Vitale please visit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society donation page. Thank you for your support.
Our Town, June 2004 Article
Our Town, August 2004 Article
About Acute Myleiod Leukemia
Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets. AML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
In AML, the stem cells usually develop into a type of white blood cell called myeloblasts. The myeloblasts in AML are abnormal and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. Sometimes too many stem cells develop into abnormal red blood cells or platelets. Leukemia cells are unable to do their usual work and can build up in the bone marrow and blood so there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Read more about AML from the National Cancer Institute.
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