Bone Marrow Transplant, Blood Transfusions Save the Life of Local Man
Steven Billingsley of Camden, NJ was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in the 1980's when survival rates were low. At the time, he was just 2-years-old. Steven had to undergo aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which caused hair loss, weight gain and extreme fatigue. His treatment was ongoing for about three years. He relapsed twice. Chemotherapy and radiation had been used at maximum. In fact, Steven was told that the amount of radiation his body had absorbed was more than any one person should ever receive in a lifetime.
"My survival at the age of five depended upon a successful bone marrow transplant. Because my immune system was weak, I needed platelet and blood transfusions to keep my body alive prior to the transplant," said Steven. "My younger brother was a perfect match for my O-positive blood type. I am alive today because of him and the blood donations that helped support me during the surgery that saved my life."
Since then, Steven has lived cancer free for almost 23 years. He recently had a scare with thyroid cancer, but it was caught early and he is in remission.
"I have accomplished a lot of things that some thought would be impossible for me to do," said Steven. "You never know what life may throw your way, and I'm grateful to those who have helped give me a second chance."
To join donors in the lifesaving act of giving blood, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or click HERE.
